Abstract
Dowel-type connections are defined as connectors which transfer loads perpendicular to their axis.
This definition includes nails and clamps (with diameters below 6 mm) as well as screws, bolts and
dowels of diameters up to 30 mm. They usually are made of steel material but also other materials
are used (e.g. wood dowels, RFPs). The basic load transfer modes will be presented which these
connectors have in common, mainly load transfer perpendicular to the axis but partly also in
longitudinal direction so that the so-called “rope effect” contributes to the load-bearing. The design
concept for single-connectors in the EC5 is presented briefly before connections with multiple
connectors are discussed. Here, the load distribution between the connectors is in focus.
Additionally, numerical simulations concepts are presented and discussed (both advantages as well
as limitations). Here, full-scale, 3d-simulations are presented as well as simpler, point-wise models.
Finally, other research topics are mentioned which were not discussed earlier or which have a special
focus.