Finger-joint strength evaluations of three Northeastern hardwoods

A study was undertaken to evaluate the bending and tensile strength performance of both vertical and horizontal finger-joints on three hardwood species using a melamine formaldehyde (MF) and resorcinol formaldehyde (RF) adhesive. Tensile and bending strength results from small specimen tests showed that neither finger-joint orientation nor adhesive had a decided influence on strength. Significant differences in bending strength properties were measured in exposure test results; however, no clear patterns could be established. It was concluded from this study that similar end-joint connections can be made using the horizontal and vertical orientation with either the MF or RF resin. Exposure test results suggest that no immediate advantage is provided by end-joining red oak, red maple, and yellow-poplar with a more costly resorcinol resin. However, additional test efforts are warranted to further qualify the performance of finger-jointed assemblies for full-sized lumber products under more severe test exposure conditions.

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