A Slotted Steel Plate is a specialized metal connector used in timber engineering to join two timber elements while concealing the steel plate for a seamless and aesthetically pleasing finish. This connection method involves the use of dowels—small cylindrical rods that fit into corresponding holes in the timber—ensuring a strong and stable bond between the elements. The dowels are subsequently hidden with plugs, maintaining the visual integrity of the timber structure.
Key Features of Slotted Steel Plates
- Connection and Concealment
Slotted steel plates securely connect two timber elements while hiding the steel hardware, providing both structural integrity and a clean appearance. - Dowel Integration
Always used in conjunction with dowels, which enhance the strength and alignment of the connection. - Precision Machining
Requires high precision machining to accurately create the slots and holes for dowels, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. - Installation Direction
Must be carefully engineered to account for the installation direction, which can be either bottom-up or top-down. This consideration is crucial for facilitating proper assembly during construction. - Durability to Avoid Water Stagnation
Designed to prevent water stagnation, ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of the connection by avoiding moisture-related decay. - Force Transfer
Capable of transferring various forces, including axial, shear, and bending moment, ensuring robust structural performance under different load conditions. - Angle Force – Grain Direction
It is crucial to consider the angle between the applied forces and the grain direction. The performance of the slotted steel plate connection can vary significantly based on this angle, affecting the strength and stability of the connection. - Fire Considerations
Timber helps protect steel elements in case of fire. So the “slotted steel plate” is naturally protected. The thickness of timber has to be designed considering the fire rating and the charring rate.
At Ergodomus, we excel in designing and implementing Slotted Steel Plates with meticulous attention to detail. Our expertise ensures that each connection is precisely machined and thoughtfully engineered to accommodate the specific installation direction and to effectively transfer axial, shear, and bending moment forces. Additionally, we prioritize durability by designing connections that prevent water stagnation, thereby enhancing the longevity and reliability of timber structures. By integrating these advanced connection methods, we deliver timber structures that are not only robust and reliable but also visually appealing.
