Dowel-type steel-to-timber connections are typical connections in structural timber-engineering, which can be designed very easily for various loads and load combinations. For practical purpose the design is regulated in national and international codes [1]. Nevertheless, the design codes are not satisfying at the moment. Refined analyses by means of FE-simulations which are currently underway shall provide the basis for improved design rules.

In order to validate the simulation tool a comprehensive test series (78 tests in total) was carried out. Additionally, detailed insight into the loading behavior of dowel-type connections could be gained as well as into the influence of various factors, e.g. density of wood, dowel length, friction between dowel and wood, load speed, un-/reloading cycles, additionally applied reinforcement, etc.