Abstract
The combination of wood with current technologies allows the use of this material in large structures, both in the idealization of modern projects and in the development of structural projects. Large structures require structural elements with large transversal extensions generating connections between the elements. Therefore, connections have become an important and common element when wood is used as a structural element. The aim of article analyzed the behavior of a wooden structure connection numerically when replacing traditional metallic connectors with connectors made from Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars. A numerical simulation was carried out, with the purpose of calibrating a numerical model based on the results obtained in connection tests, using the ABAQUS software. After a parametric study varying the following characteristics of the connections: (a) Diameter of the GFRP pins, (b) Number of pins, (c) Geometric characteristics of the connection and (d) Wood species. The parametric study results in a multiple variable regression model to estimate the ultimate strength in connections, which presents a Correlation Coefficient (R²) of 75.64%. The proposed model was compared with the accuracy of the Johansen model and it was obtained that the Johansen model overestimates the rupture force values by up to 56% when compared with the values found by the proposed model. This situation is justified because the proposed model by Johansen overestimates the values of ultimate force in favor of safety.