Exploring the Mechanical Behavior of a Traditional Japanese Joint for Flexible Structural Design

This research examines the mechanical behavior of a traditional Japanese joint, the Mortised Rabbeted Oblique (MRO) splice. Through computational simulations employing Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the study examines a continuous beam and an unmodified MRO splice, revealing expected behavior in the beam and unexpected tress concentration and displacement asymmetry in the splice. Topology optimization of the splice’s end sections yields iterations with varying volume reductions (50%, 70%, and 90%), showing significant topology differences between the two ends. Subsequently, all iterations were fabricated through 3D printing using PLA and subjected to three-point bending testing. Experimental results confirm the computational findings, demonstrating reduced strength in the MRO splice compared to the continuous beam. A surprising increase in ductility and maximum load resisted by the iterations with 50% and 70% volume reductions is observed. This finding underscores how modifying the end beams significantly influences the overall behavior of the splice mechanism.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Ortea Varela, Ines

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Carstensen, Josephine V.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
• Copyright retained by author(s)

Licence dc:rights.uri

• https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-EDU/1.0/

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/156975

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/156975