Evaluation of the bending properties of modified fast-growing poplar glulam based on composite mechanics

Abstract

Currently, the bending properties of glulam made from fast-growing poplar barely meet the requirements for application. In this study, the bending properties of glulam made from preservative alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ)-treated and phenol-formaldehyde resin reinforced poplar in different laminate configurations were full-scale tested via a four-point bending method. Theoretical models including stiffness model and rigidity model under different loading modes were founded based on the mechanical analysis of composite materials to predict the Young’s modulus of bending and bending strength. The Young’s modulus and bending strength of modified fast-growing poplar glulam was greatly enhanced compared with untreated ones, which can meet the standard requirements for symmetrical mixed-grade composition glulam grade E85-F255. The Young’s modulus was predicted with the rigidity model with high accuracy. The relative error was below 12%. The modified stiffness model with correction factors for normal stress and interlayer tension shearing stress can also accurately predict the failure mode and bending strength.