Effects of selected joint parameters on tensile strength of steel bolt-nut connections in Cupressus funebris wood

The influences of various factors on the tensile strength loading caused by steel bolt-nut connections on Cupressus funebris wood components in directions perpendicular and parallel to the grain were studied. The focus was the interference fit parameter between the nut and the pre-drilling hole, the nut embedded depth, and the embedded nut diameter using the single factor method. The optimum parameters for bolt-nut connections with C. funebris wood components both perpendicular and parallel to the grain component structures were obtained via a single factor experiment and verified by simulation using ANSYS finite element analysis software. The experimental and simulation-based results revealed that the optimum parameters with maximum tensile strength for the bolt-nut connections with C. funebris wood components were an interference fit of -0.80 mm, a nut embedded depth of 25 mm, and an embedded nut diameter of 15.5 mm. Considering the needs of practical applications, the optimum interference fit parameter between the nut and pre-drilling hole was -0.80 mm, increasing the length of the nut within the allowable range of part size was beneficial, and it was not suitable to increase the diameter of the embedded nut to improve the part’s performance.