The Performance of Dovetail Halving Joint in Leg-and- Rail Construction Using Chrysophyllum Albidum Case Study: The Working Chair

The need to improve upon the quality, reliability, strength and durability of wooden chairs require that more attention
be paid to the optimal strength and rigidity of the chair joints. This study was set out to assess the performance of
dovetail halving joint in leg-and-rail construction. In the study, mortise and tenon joint and dovetail halving joint were
compared. The joints were constructed with Chrysophyllum albidum wood and tenon/tail lengths of 38 mm and 50 mm
were used. The width of the tenon and the moisture content of the wood used were kept constant at 55 mm and 12%
respectively. Twenty-four chairs were constructed using the lengths of tenons or tails as indicated. The strength of the
chairs was tested using ANSI/BIFMA Standards. The results of the test were analysed using tables, bar chart, graphs,
percentages and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The ANOVA revealed that at 5% significant level, the type of joint had
significant effect on the strength of the working chair. The tables, bar charts and percentages also showed that dovetail
halving jointed chairs had greater strength than mortise and tenon jointed chairs. Based on the results of the tests, it is
recommended that for greater strength of the chair, dovetail halving joint with a tail-length of 50 mm should be used in
its construction.