Adhesive systems for structural connections in timber

Adhesives can be used to form load-bearing joints in timber structures, both in repair and in new-build applications. An efficient and cost-effective method of making joints is to use rods or dowels, bonded into pre-drilled holes in timber elements, for transferring structural loads between such elements. This paper reviews the important issues in bonded-in rod technology, the adhesives and reinforcing materials used, the results of theoretical and experimental studies, and the steps involved in design and specification.