Performance-Based Material Evaluation of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Wood Interfaces in Reinforced Glulam Members

Abstract

Abstract A performance-based material evaluation methodology is reviewed as part of a broader project on the development of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite reinforced glued-laminated (glulam) members. The glueline interface was examined under test conditions that included the presence of moisture and temperature fluctuations, and the effect of wood preservatives. The objectives of this study were: 1) to determine if the current test methods used to assess durability of wood-wood bonds for exterior use (ANSI/AITC and ASTM D 2559 protocols) can be adopted for testing FRP composite reinforcement of wood; 2) to research possible modifications to the standard procedures when necessary to accommodate specifics of the adhesive bonds in hybrid FRP-wood assemblies; and 3) to propose a unified interpretation approach for FRP-wood interface test results focusing on development of acceptance criteria. Four commercially available FRP composite systems exhibiting exterior durability potential for glulam reinforcement were selected to validate the material qualification protocol. Two wood species were considered in this study: southern yellow pine and Douglas-fir. The four FRP composite material systems represented a broad spectrum of fiber reinforcement, matrix, adhesives, and fabrication processes. Experimental studies using the composite systems were conducted to validate the proposed methodology.