A study on the bending properties of traditional Korean joints

Since an apprentice system was prevalent in Korea instead of the transfer of systematical and scientific theories and techniques for traditional constructions. Therefore, few data have been accumulated for the mechanical and physical properties of traditional joints. The Joomeokjang and Nabijang joints are the most basic jointing method in Korea traditional building construction. In this study, the bending performances for four types of widely used Korean traditional joint, Joomeokjang, Nabijang, pair of double Joomeokjang and cross shaped joint, were evaluated. The MOR of Nabijang was higher than that of Joomeokjang, and the MOE of Joomeokjang was higher than that of Nabijang; however, there were no significant differences between the two methods. Therefore, the performance of Joomeokjang and Nabijang could not be compared only with the mean values, and additional information such as failure type is necessary. The pair of double Joomeokjang was statistically superior to the cross shape joint in terms of both mean values and the statistical analysis for MOE and MOR. Needless to say, the failure types of machoom joints should be sufficiently considered such as ieum joints. The failure types of Joomeokjang and Nabijang mainly consisted of cross grain failure. Simple tension failure was developed in the pair of double Joomeokjang and cross shaped joints, which created a mixed failure of simple tension failure and cross grain failure.