Determination of time dependent performance of ready to ready assamble (RTA) joints used in box type furniture construction

In this study, time-dependent deformation, elastic deformation, creep and stiffness features were determined. In experiments Eastern beech (Fagus orientalis L.) were used as solid wood materials, particleboard (YL) and medium density (MDF) were used as wood composites materials and trapez connector with metal parts, metal minifix connector with metal peg, metal minifix connector with plastic peg, T metal connector, pipe type connector, corner fitting and screw were used joints. Twenty-one bookcases which contain four shelves each were exposed to static loading for seven months by considering the critic loads which could effect while in service use. The results of the study showed the highest total deformation value was obtained on metal minifix connector with plastic peg on particleboard 4,248 mm, the lowest total deformation value was obtained on metal minifix connector with metal peg of Eastern beech 0,387 mm. The highest elastic deformation value was obtained on pipe type connector on particleboard 2,946 mm, the lowest elastic deformation value was obtained on metal minifix connector with metal peg of Eastern beech 0,319 mm.The highest creep value was obtained on metal minifix connector with plastic peg on particleboard 1,321 mm, the lowest creep value was obtained on screw and metal minifix connector with metal peg of Eastern beech 0,068 mm. The highest stiffness value was obtained trapez connector with metal parts and metal minifix connector with metal peg and on particleboard 2,7 the lowest value, was obtained on pipe type connector of Eastern beech 1,4. The highest elastic recovery value was obtained on metal minifix connector with plastic peg on particleboard 2,915 mm, the lowest elastic recovery value was obtained on metal minifix connector with plastic peg of Eastern beech 0,248 mm. The highest creep recovery value was obtained on metal minifix connector with plastic peg on particleboard 2,741 mm, the lowest creep recovery value was obtained on metal minifix connector with metal peg of Eastern beech 0,225 mm.Also, box type of furnitures were modelined and analiysed by using ANSYS computer base program. It is determined that the actual data was found out 12-98% compatible with theoretical model. Results of computer simulation showed that this technique could be used for mechanical performance prediction of this type of furniture.Key Words : Case Type Furniture, Elastic Deformation, Stiffness, ANSYS, Creep