Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of bending behaviour of glued laminated timber (glulam) beams reinforced with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates, based on finite element numerical modelling. Nonlinear 3-dimensional model was developed and validated by experimental tests carried out on unreinforced beams and beams reinforced with two different reinforcement arrangements. Suitable constitutive relationships for each material were utilised in the model, as well as anisotropic plasticity theory for timber in compression. Adhesive bond between CFRP plate and timber was modelled as a perfect connection. Beam failure in the model was defined by maximum stress criterion. The predicted behaviour of beams has shown good agreement with the experimental results in relation to load-deflection relationship, ultimate load, elastic stiffness and strain profile distribution. The non-linear behaviour of reinforced beams before failure was also achieved in the numerical analysis, confirming the finite element model to be accurate past the linear-elastic range. Experimentally tested reinforced beams usually failed in tensile zone after compressive plasticization of top lamination, which was also simulated in the numerical model. The results proved that the load carrying capacity, stiffness and ductility of glulam beams were successfully increased by addition of CFRP plate at tension side of the section.
Highlights
Glued laminated timber presents one of the oldest structural engineered wood products, it is still competitive in modern construction industry
A focus of this paper is a finite element numerical modelling of glulam beams reinforced with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates subjected to bending, using software package ABAQUS
Application of CFRP plates as flexural reinforcement of glulam beams was examined in the experimental research conducted at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Belgrade
Summary
Glued laminated timber (glulam) presents one of the oldest structural engineered wood products, it is still competitive in modern construction industry. The addition of FRP reinforcement with a high tensile strength and high modulus of elasticity in the tension zone of flexural members may improve ultimate load carrying capacity and stiffness, enable ductile compressive failure mode and potentially lower variability among the properties (Galloway et al 1996) These advancements make the use of smaller glulam members or even use of lower grades of wood possible. A focus of this paper is a finite element numerical modelling of glulam beams reinforced with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates subjected to bending, using software package ABAQUS. Both material and geometrical nonlinearities were introduced in the model which used engineering constants and strength properties as input data. Numerical analysis helped in the interpretation of test results and understanding of the complex stress and strain states in reinforced glulam members
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