The diagonal tensile strength of corner joints constructed with different connectors

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the strength and stiffness of corner joints for case furniture in the diagonal tension test. For this purpose, joint members were constructed with medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard (PB) with minifix, butterfly, and trapeze connectors. The study also observed the role of the end distance of the connectors, which was found to be a factor in joint strength and stiffness. According to the results, joints made of MDF performed 16 to 92 % better compared to PB, considering connectors on joints, which was evident due to material properties that MDF were denser by 7.5% and more strengthfull by 177% than PB. The butterfly connectors had the highest strength and stiffness regardless of material type and end distance, followed by trapeze connectors. The joints with minifix connectors had strength and stiffness of 2-3 times lower than others. Moreover, the end distance of 75 mm provided slightly higher joint strength and stiffness compared to those of 50 mm but was not statistically significant. Consequently, butterfly connectors demonstrated markedly the highest strength and stiffness for corner joints of case furniture. Furniture made of MDF should be chosen for higher durability rather than PB.