Abstract
Modern architecture suggests the use of opened spaces with large transparent envelope surfaces. Therefore, windows of long widths and large heights are needed. In order to withstand the wind loads, such wooden windows can be reinforced with stiffer materials, such as aluminium (Al), glass-fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP), and carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). The bending stiffness, load-bearing capacity, and flexural rigidity of hybrid beams, reinforced with aluminium, were compared through experimental analysis, using a four-point bending tests method, with those of reference wooden beams. The largest increases in bending stiffness (29%–39%), load-bearing capacity (33%–45%), and flexural rigidity (43%–50%) were observed in the case of the hybrid beams, with the highest percentage of reinforcements (12.9%—six reinforcements in their tensile and six reinforcements in their compressive zone). The results of the experiments confirmed the high potential of using hybrid beams to produce large wooden windows, for different wind zones, worldwide.
Highlights
The share of wood-based windows is the largest (66%) among certified windows for low-energy houses, due to their high energy efficiency and their beneficial life cycle assessment characteristics [1]
In order to withstand the wind loads, such wooden windows can be reinforced with stiffer materials, such as aluminium (Al), glass-fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP), and carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP)
The results show that the ultimate load (Pu) and bending stiffness were the highest in the case of theresults type Cshow beamthat specimens, which had(Pthe highest percentage of reinforcements, whereas it
Summary
The share of wood-based windows (i.e., wooden and aluminium-wooden profiled windows) is the largest (66%) among certified windows for low-energy houses, due to their high energy efficiency and their beneficial life cycle assessment characteristics [1]. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and aluminium windows have 19% and 13% shares, respectively. One of the reasons for this is that it was proven that the use of natural wood in the buildings has positive psychological, emotional, and health impacts on the people living in such an environment [2]. Windows have an important role (solar gains through glazing), effecting the energy efficiency of the building. There has been a gradual increase in the proportion of the transparent part of the building envelope, over the last decade. Windows are more and more frequently placed from the bottom to the top of individual storeys, with heights exceeding 3.0 m, or even over several storeys, with heights exceeding
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