OKKAKE-DAISEN-TSUGI: An Exploration of the Construction Process and Mechanical Behaviour of Traditional Japanese Timber Splicing Joints

Abstract

This thesis explores the construction process and mechanical behaviour of traditional Japanese timber joints through a case study on the okkake-daisen-tsugi (dadoed and rabbeted scarf joint). The study begins with a through investigation of the traditional Japanese woodworking and joinery tradition, through using a combination of traditional and modern tools to construct two timber joints. Further exploration is undertaken involving the testing of the constructed joints in a three-point bending flexural test. Keywords: traditional Japanese joinery, timber joinery, Alaskan yellow cedar, okkae-daisen-tsugi, tsugite, flexural testing