CREEP PERFORMANCE OF READY TO ASSEMBLE (RTA) FASTENERS IN BOOKCASE CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

In this study, time-dependent deformation, elastic deformation, creep and stiffness features of bookcases were determined. In experiments Eastern beech (Fagus Orientalis Lipsky.) were used as solid wood materials, particleboard and medium density (MDF) were used as wood composites materials and trapez connector with metal parts, minifix connector with metal peg, minifix connector with plastic peg, T metal connector, pipe type connector, corner fitting and screw were used as joining fasteners. Twenty-one bookcases which contain four shelves each were constructed and exposed to static loading for seven months by considering the critic loads which could effect while in service use. The results of the study showed the highest creep value of 1,321 mm was obtained on minifix connector with plastic peg on particleboard, the lowest creep value of 0,064 mm was obtained on minifix connector with metal peg on Eastern beech. The highest rigidity constant value of 4,0 was obtained on screw and T metal connector on particleboard, the lowest value of 3,1 was obtained on metal minifix connector with metal peg of Eastern beech. Also, bookcases were modeled and analyzed by using ANSYSTM computer base finite element program. The results of the study showed that the actual data was 90 to 99 percent compatible with theoretical model. Thus, computer simulation technique could be used for mechanical performance prediction of this type of furniture.