Abstract: The improved joint connection provides a separate stress ring for each of the compressive loading zone and tensile loading zone at the end of a timber beam and a central stem secured to one ring and unsecured to the other ring. The connection is such that shrinkage in the timber beam along the major axis of the cross section can be accommodated by movement of the unsecured stress ring relative to the stem. A plate is provided at the end of the stem to retain the moveable stress ring in the joint connection.In one embodiment, a pair of one-piece connectors can be secured at the end of each timber between the timber and the respective stress rings of the joint connection.In another embodiment, a second pair of coaxial and concentric rings may be employed with the outer rings being of polygonal shape to have flat sides against which the respective beams may be secured.In still another embodiment, the stress rings and stem may have a polygonal shape.