1996 · 59 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesMaterials EngineeringMaterials ScienceMechanical Behavior Of MaterialsStructural EngineeringStructural MaterialsBending Of BeamsFiber-reinforced CompositesTimber ConstructionTimber MaterialsTimber StructuresWood MaterialsExperimental Study DesignFiber Reinforcement EffectsFiber-reinforced MaterialsFiber-reinforced PolymersFour-point Bending TestFrp StrengtheningGlulam ConstructionTimber Beams
The benefits of reinforcing glulam beams made with eastern hemlock, an under-utilized wood species in the state of Maine, are discussed. Nine beams reinforced with fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) on the tension side and three unreinforced controls were instrumented and tested to failure in four-point bending. Low, medium, and high quality wood were used in the experimental study. FRP reinforcement ratios ranged from 0.3 % to 3.1%. A nonlinear numerical model that predicts the performance of the FRP-glulam beams through the entire load range was developed and its predictions are compared with the test results.