Lateral strength of green oak frames: physical testing and modelling

Traditional green oak timber framing, connected with the all-timber pegged mortice and tenon joint, is enjoying a revival in the UK. However, innovation is restricted by a lack of design guidelines or design methods for the strength analysis of such frames. This paper presents results from tests on four full-scale green oak cross-frames with different brace arrangements and also presents a model for strength prediction. The importance of pull-out strength (peg loaded in double shear normal to its longitudinal axis) of pegged connections is highlighted and proven through frame tests. Influence of tensile kneebracing on frame behaviour is confirmed by the physical testing.