Force Capacity Research Articles

The Effectiveness of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in Building the Capacity of Local Police Forces: Case of Kosovo

Kosovo has historically been the scene of ethnic-driven regional conflicts among the communities. After the disengagement of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) in 1992, the conflicts that had begun with the independence declarations of the Republics of SFRY eventually evolved into ethnic disputes between Serbs and Albanians. As the United Nations (UN) failed to resolve the conflict by diplomatic means, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) initiated an air campaign to stop armed attacks by Serbian Military Forces on the Albanian civil communities. The UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) was established in 1999 to restore peace and stability in Kosovo. One of the mandated tasks of the UNMIK was to establish the local police known as Kosovo Police Service (KPS) and to build its capacity. The objectives of this research are to determine whether the UNMIK was effective and successful in building the KPS’s capacity. A set of new success criteria is developed and applied to evaluate the success of UNMIK in this mandated task. Data for this study were collected using official reports of the UN and the crime statistics of the KPS. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that UNMIK was successful in establishing a local police force.

American Society of Biomechanics Journal of Biomechanics Award 2021: Exploring the Functional Boundaries and Metabolic Consequences of Triceps Surae Force-Length Relations during Walking

The relationship between individual muscle dynamics and whole-body metabolic cost is not well established. Here we use biofeedback to modulate triceps surae (TS) activity during walking to test the following hypotheses based on basic principles of muscle physiology: (1) increased TS activity would increase metabolic cost via shorter muscle fascicle lengths and thus reduced force capacity and (2) decreased TS activity would decrease metabolic cost via longer muscle fascicle lengths and thus increased force capacity. 23 young adults walked on an instrumented treadmill at 1.25 m/s using electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback to match targets corresponding to ±20 and ±40% TS activity during push-off (late stance). B-mode ultrasound imaged the medial gastrocnemius (MG). Participants increased net metabolic power up to 85% and 21% when targeting increased and decreased TS activity, respectively (p < 0.001). At the instant of peak gastrocnemius force, MG fascicle length was 7% shorter (p < 0.001) and gastrocnemius force was 6% larger (p < 0.001) when targeting + 40% TS activity. Fascicle length was 3% shorter (p = 0.004) and force was 7% lower (p = 0.010) when targeting −40% TS activity; participants were unable to achieve decreased activation targets. MG fascicle length and activity mediated 11.7% (p = 0.036) and 57.2% (p = 0.006) of the changes in net metabolic power, respectively. MG force did not mediate changes in net metabolic power (p = 0.948). These findings suggest that changes in the functional operating length of muscle, induced here by volitional changes in TS activity, mediated changes in the metabolic cost of walking, relatively independently of force. Thus, shifts to shorter fascicle lengths (e.g., aging) may mediate activity-induced increases in metabolic cost.

Effects on meat quality of Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in the diet of chickens

The objective is to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of yerba mate in the diet on the yield and quality of chicken meat stored frozen for 120 days after slaughter. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments, and eight replications with 25 birds each. The treatments consisted of providing a basal diet with 1, 2, 4, and 6 g kg-1 of ground dehydrated Yerba mate. At slaughter, temperature, pH, and carcass yield were measured. 120 days after meat freezing, measurements of pH, colorimetry, cooking weight loss (CWL), shear force, and water retention capacity were estimated. The parameters evaluated after slaughter showed regression effects on breast and drumstick temperature. Breast temperature showed a decreasing linear effect (R2=0.61). For the variable thigh temperature, there was a negative quadratic effect (R2=0.66). The quality characteristics of breast and drumstick evaluated 120 days after freezing showed an increasing linear effect of drumstick CWL (R2=0.38). Yerba mate can be included in up to 6 g kg-1 in chicken feed without changing pH, color, and meat tenderness after 120 days of freezing, maintaining carcass and cut yields.

Experimental and theoretical investigations of post-tensioned precast reinforced concrete bridge pier with external replaceable energy dissipaters

This study presents a post-tensioned (PT) precast reinforced-concrete bridge pier with external replaceable energy dissipaters (PRCB-EREDs). The EREDs provide both bending resistance and energy dissipation (ED) capacity, and the unbonded PT strands enable prefabricated construction and self-centering capabilities. This study introduces the construction, assembly process, and post-earthquake repair technology of the PRCB-EREDs. Subsequently, parametric quasi-static tests were performed by altering parameters, such as the initial PT force and the size of core energy dissipation steel plate in the ERED (ERED-CEDP). The test results indicated that the precast pier column remained essentially elastic, with damage localized within the ERED-CEDP, exhibiting good deformation and ED capabilities. The hysteresis curve of the specimen was full and stable, and the curves before and after repair were essentially identical, confirming the feasibility of the repair. With an increase in the initial PT force, both the stiffness and bearing capacity were improved, and better self-restoration effects were achieved. For test conditions with the same ERED-CEDP thicknesses but different initial PT forces, the ED capacities were almost the same. Finally, the load-resisting mechanism of the PRCB-ERED piers was analyzed and theoretical model of hysteretic behavior was proposed and verified.

The critical role of fracture in determining the adhesion strength of electroadhesives

The force capacity of an electroadhesive is typically calculated as the integration of the Maxwell electrostatic stress over the contact area. However, deformation of the electroadhesive and/or the substrate can lead to stress concentrations at the interface, and the detachment can happen in a progressive manner due to crack propagation. This paper studies the role of fracture in the analysis of electroadhesives. Crack propagation and detachment are investigated for a cylindrical, homogeneous​ electroadhesive electrostatically adhered to a rigid conductive substrate. For a given friction coefficient and Poisson’s ratio, the ratio of the effective adhesion strength of the electroadhesive to its intrinsic strength predicted by electrostatics alone is controlled by a nondimensional parameter ξ that is a function of material properties, electroadhesive geometry, and the applied electric potential. The electroadhesive only achieves its intrinsic adhesion strength when ξ is smaller than a critical value ξc, which depends on the friction coefficient μ and weakly on Poisson’s ratio ν. The strength is lower than the intrinsic adhesion strength when ξ>ξc. For v=0.48, ξc=5 when μ=1, ξc=7 when μ=0.5, and ξc=37 when μ=0.2. This study highlights the importance of considering a fracture-type failure when designing electroadhesives, and is relevant to applications of electroadhesives in robotic grasping, haptics, and microtransfer printing.

Impact of unilateral and bilateral impairments on bimanual force production following stroke.

Large bilateral asymmetry and task deficits are typically observed during bimanual actions of stroke survivors. Do these abnormalities originate from unilateral impairments affecting their more-impaired limb, such as weakness and abnormal synergy, or from bilateral impairments such as incoordination of two limbs? To answer this question, 23 subjects including 10 chronic stroke survivors and 13 neurologically intact subjects participated in an experiment where they produced bimanual forces at different hand locations. The force magnitude and directional deviation of the more-impaired arm were measured for unilateral impairments and bimanual coordination across locations for bilateral impairments. Force asymmetry and task error were used to define task performance. Significant unilateral impairments were observed in subjects with stroke; the maximal force capacity of their more-impaired arm was significantly lower than that of their less-impaired arm, with a higher degree of force deviation. However, its force contribution during submaximal tasks was greater than its relative force capacity. Significant bilateral impairments were also observed, as stroke survivors modulated two forces to a larger degree across hand locations but in a less coordinated manner than control subjects did. But only unilateral, not bilateral, impairments explained a significant amount of between-subject variability in force asymmetry across subjects with stroke. Task error, in contrast, was correlated with neither unilateral nor bilateral impairments. Our results suggest that unilateral impairments of the more-impaired arm of stroke survivors mainly contribute to its reduced recruitment, but that the degree of its participation in bimanual task may be greater than their capacity as they attempt to achieve symmetry.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We studied how unilateral and bilateral impairments in stroke survivors affect their bimanual task performance. Unilateral impairments of the more-impaired limb, both weakness and loss of directional control, mainly contribute to bimanual asymmetry, but stroke survivors generally produce higher force with their more-impaired limb than their relative capacity. Bilateral force coordination was significantly impaired in stroke survivors, but its degree of impairment was not related to their unilateral impairments.

Indigenous Development of a High Force Rating Electrodynamic Shaker System

In launch vehicles, all systems are subjected to vibration environment during flight. Vibration tests are performed to find out structural integrity and performance of the system for the intended use in a launch vehicle, under vibration environment. The vibration tests are carried out by employing suitable shaker as stand alone unit or with combination of slip table, depending upon the type of vibration levels and axis of vibration. Out of different types of shakers, electrodynamic shakers have wide frequency range so that the sine, shock and random tests are possible.&#x0D; The force requirement of a shaker is dictated by the mass of the systems to be tested and the test levels. ISRO’ future vehicle sub assemblies, demand nearly 250 kN force capacity for the shaker. Indigenous development of such a high capacity system was initiated first time in the country, for self reliance in designing and realizing such high capacity test systems and to meet the schedule critical launch vehicle sub assembly test activities. This paper describes the challenges in the development of such a high capacity system in Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Trivandrum.

Analisis Kinerja Struktur Gedung Bertingkat Menggunakan Sistem Rangka Pemikul Momen Khusus (SRPMK) pada Pembangunan Rumah Susun Cakung Jakarta Timur

Analysis of the structural performance of the Cakung house in East Jakarta aims to determine the behavior and performance of the building by using the Special Moment Bearing Frame system (SRPMK). Evaluation is carried out on the performance of the building structure by using a structural analysis aid program. And the lateral force capacity that the system can withstand is 1592432.05 Kgf in the X direction and 643948.61 Kgf in the Y direction. Where the pushover analysis using the ATC 40 method, the melting point occurred for the first time at a displacement of 23.57 cm in the X direction and 7.28 cm in the Y direction. And serious damage occurred at the displacement of 77.49 cm in the X direction and 94.84 in the Y direction. The analysis found that the drift ratio value of the maximum total deviation and the maximum inelastic deviation that occurs in the structure is less than 1%. So that the level of performance of the design is in the category of Immediate Occupancy (IO).

Analysis of the rate of force development reveals high neuromuscular fatigability in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) induces muscle wasting and a reduction in the maximum voluntary force (MVF). Little is known about the neuromuscular fatigability in CKD patients, defined as the reduction of muscle force capacities during exercise. Neuromuscular fatigability is a crucial physical parameter of the daily living. The quantification of explosive force has been shown to be a sensitive means to assess neuromuscular fatigability. Thus, our study used explosive force estimates to assess neuromuscular fatigability in elderly CKD patients. Inclusion criteria for CKD patients were age≥60years old and glomerular filtration rate (GFR)<45mL/min/1.73m2 not on dialysis, and those for controls were GFR>60mL/min/1.73m2 , age and diabetes matched. The fatigability protocol focused on a handgrip task coupled with surface electromyography (sEMG). Scalars were extracted from the rate of force development (RFD): absolute and normalized time periods (50, 75, 100, 150 and 200ms, RFD50 , RFD75 , RFD100 , RFD150 and RFD200 , respectively), peak RFD (RFDpeak in absolute; NRFDpeak normalized), time-to-peak RFD (t-RFDpeak ) and the relative force at RFDpeak (MVF-RFDpeak ). A statistical parametric mapping approach was performed on the force, impulse and RFD-time curves. The integrated sEMG with time at 0-30, 0-50, 0-100 and 0-200ms time intervals relative to onset of sEMG activity was extracted and groups were compared separately for each sex. The cohort of 159 individuals had a median age of 69 (9IQR ) years and body mass index was 27.6 (6.2IQR ) kg/m2 . Propensity-score-matched groups balanced CKD patients and controls by gender with 66 males and 34 females. In scalar analysis, CKD patients manifested a higher decrement than controls in the early phase of contraction, regarding the NRFDpeak (P=0.009; η2 p =0.034) and RFD75 and RFD100 (for both P<0.001; η2 p =0.068 and 0.064). The one-dimensional analysis confirmed that CKD males manifest higher and delayed neuromuscular fatigability, especially before 100ms from onset of contraction. sEMG was lower in CKD patients than controls in the 0-100ms (at rest: P=0.049, Cohen's d=0.458) and 0-200ms (at rest: P=0.016, Cohen's d=0.496; during exercise: P=0.006, Cohen's d=0.421) time windows. Controls showed greater decrease of sEMG than CKD patients in the 0-30ms (P=0.020, Cohen's d=0.533) and 0-50ms (P=0.010, Cohen's d=0.640) time windows. As opposite to females, males showed almost the same differences between groups. Our study is the first to show that CKD patients have higher fatigability than controls, which may be associated with an impaired motor-unit recruitment, highlighting a neural drive disturbance with CKD. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Experimental investigation of the behaviour of injection anchors in rubble stone masonry

The seismic response of historical masonry buildings is largely controlled by the effectiveness of wall-to-diaphragm connections, which can be improved using injection anchors. Despite their use, there is a need for a better understanding of the performance of such anchoring system in stone masonry walls. This paper presents quasi-static pull-out tests performed on twelve specimens to investigate the behaviour of injection anchors in rubble stone masonry walls when breakout failure occurs. For each specimen, the experimental results are presented in terms of force–displacement curves, propagation of damage and crack pattern. It is shown that the anchoring details adopted in this study had a negligible influence on the pull-out force capacity of the anchoring system, while an increase in peak pull-out force was observed with increasing overburden stress applied. Because stone masonry specific capacity formulations have not yet been presented in the literature, the capacity is predicted using state-of-the art formulations for the pull-out load capacity of anchors installed in brick masonry. The limits of their applicability are discussed using the obtained experimental results.

Protocol for a systematic review of the associations between inflammatory markers and lung function, muscle force and exercise capacity in people with COPD

IntroductionThe prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been on the rise, with acute exacerbation of COPD associated with the highest burden and multiple pulmonary and systemic consequences. People...

Experimental and numerical investigation of a new type of steel plate shear wall with diagonal tension field guiding stiffeners

A novel type of steel plate shear wall for withstanding lateral forces was proposed. Inclined stiffeners (acting as tension field guiding stiffeners) were added at the corners of the shear wall and a middle link beam was created, similar to the eccentrically braced frames (EBF). Therefore, upon adding diagonal members to the shear wall, the system resembled a combination of a steel plate shear wall system with an EBF system.To study the cyclic performance of the system equipped with the guiding stiffeners, a scaled specimen of the shear wall was made and subjected to cyclic loading. Finite element model of the wall was simulated and validated using the corresponding laboratory data. Then, a comparison between the proposed shear wall and the corresponding unstiffened steel plate shear wall was made. In the proposed system, the guiding stiffeners can alter the pattern of the tension field, pushing away the plastic strains from the column face toward the link beam. This helps the columns and connections remain intact. As a result, the system failure mechanism includes two-stage ductile fuses, including the steel plate yielding in tension, and flexural stresses or shear plastic hinges at the link beam ends. Compared to the unstiffened steel shear wall, the fuses help dissipate more energy in the proposed shear wall. In general, diagonal tension field guiding stiffeners can enhance the lateral force capacity, ductility, energy absorption, and stiffness of the system simultaneously.

Why the 2020 Belarusian Protests Failed to Oust Lukashenka

AbstractThis article uses a comparison with Ukraine to investigate why protests against Lukashenka in 2020 failed to oust the Belarusian dictator. First, in contrast to his counterparts in Ukraine, Lukashenka successfully built new authoritarian economic and coercive institutions in the 1990s that raised the costs of opposition activity and reduced challengers’ access to business support. Second, Belarus has lacked a strong national identity that was critical to opposition success in Ukraine. In Ukraine, relatively powerful anti-Russian nationalism repeatedly motivated a core group of anti-incumbent activists and facilitated the opposition’s control over local power structures that supported protest activities at critical moments. In Belarus, weak national identity and consequent dearth of committed activists in national government institutions in the 1990s hampered efforts to challenge Lukashenka’s consolidation of authoritarian power. In addition, weaker national identity undermined the capacity of opposition forces to control local power structures that might have aided opposition protest.

Developmental biomechanics and age polyethism in leaf-cutter ants.

Many social insects display age polyethism: young workers stay inside the nest, and only older workers forage. This behavioural transition is accompanied by genetic and physiological changes, but the mechanistic origin of it remains unclear. To investigate if the mechanical demands on the musculoskeletal system effectively prevent young workers from foraging, we studied the biomechanical development of the bite apparatus in Atta vollenweideri leaf-cutter ants. Fully matured foragers generated peak in vivo bite forces of around 100 mN, more than one order of magnitude in excess of those measured for freshly eclosed callows of the same size. This change in bite force was accompanied by a sixfold increase in the volume of the mandible closer muscle, and by a substantial increase of the flexural rigidity of the head capsule, driven by a significant increase in both average thickness and indentation modulus of the head capsule cuticle. Consequently, callows lack the muscle force capacity required for leaf-cutting, and their head capsule is so compliant that large muscle forces would be likely to cause damaging deformations. On the basis of these results, we speculate that continued biomechanical development post eclosion may be a key factor underlying age polyethism, wherever foraging is associated with substantial mechanical demands.

Evaluation of transfer length of CFRP tendon in pretensioned concrete beam using embedded FBG sensors

This study aimed to determine the transfer length of pretensioned concrete beams strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) using a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor. The transfer length is the distance along the tendon that is critical to ensuring effective prestressing force and structural capacity of the concrete beam. Typically, electric strain gauges are used to measure the transfer length, but they can produce measurement errors due to installation errors and data noise. In this study, an FBG sensor was embedded in a CFRP tendon instead of a strain gauge, enabling accurate measurements of tendon strain and transfer length.

Non-Surgical Lower-Limb Rehabilitation Enhances Quadriceps Strength in Inpatients with Hip Fracture: A Study on Force Capacity and Fatigue

Measuring muscle fatigue and resistance to fatigue is a topical theme in many clinical research studies. Multi-domain approaches, including electromyography (EMG), are employed to measure fatigue in rehabilitation contexts. In particular, spectral features, such as the reduction in the median frequency, are accepted biomarkers to detect muscle fatigue conditions. However, applications of fatigue detection in clinical scenarios are still limited and with margin for improvement. One of the potential applications of such methodology in clinics concerns the evaluation of the rehabilitation after hip fracture. In this work, 20 inpatients, in the acute phase after hip fracture surgery and with lower limb weakness, performed isometric contractions with their healthy lower limb (quadriceps muscle) and their resistance to fatigue before and after 2 weeks of rehabilitation program was measured. Multi-channel EMG and Maximum Voluntary Contractions (MVC, force) were recorded on five muscle heads. We found that, after performing the same number of repetitions (repetitions pre-treatment: 19.7 ± 1.34; repetitions post-treatment: 19.9 ± 0.36; p = 0.223), MVC improved (MVC pre-treatment: 278 ± 112 N; MVC post-treatment: 322 ± 88 N; p = 0.015) after rehabilitation for most of the patients and fatigue did not change. These results suggest that higher force exertion was performed after rehabilitation, with the same level of fatigue (fatigued muscles pre-treatment: 1.40 ± 1.70; fatigued muscles post-treatment: 1.15 ± 1.59; p = 0.175) after. Results are discussed addressing the potential of multifactorial instrumental assessments for describing patients’ status and provide data for clinical decision making.

Novel Use of Scanning Methods to Investigate the Performance of Screw Connections in Timber-Concrete Composite Structures

This paper investigates the shear force capacity, stiffness, and effective length of the connection screws in timber-concrete composite structures. Ten samples (six hardwood and four softwood) were fabricated with the connection screws installed at different angles through the interface. The shear force capacities and the global stiffness characteristics of the connections were determined directly from double shear tests. The local characteristics of the screw connections were investigated by scanning the final residual screw shapes at the end of the tests for softwood specimens. Using the 2D digital scans of the screws, the screw curvatures were determined. From the curvatures, the local distribution of moment along the screw embedded within the concrete at the conclusion of the test was estimated. The distance of the plastic hinge in the screw within the concrete from the interface between the concrete and timber (the effective length) was obtained from the maximum bending moment location calculated via this image scanning method. Empirical equations of effective screw length were developed from the test data and applied in a shear force capacity model for softwood. These new equations of effective length of inclined screws in connections predicted the shear force capacity of the connection better on the softwood specimens. In hardwood specimens, the screw failed in snapping. An equation of shear force capacity was developed based on the influence of the inclination angle of the screw with the reduction factors and can predict the shear capacity of the connection in hardwood specimens.

Analytical modeling and performance evaluation of an adjustable permanent magnet linear eddy current brake with mechanical magnetic adjuster

A novel mechanical flux-adjusting permanent magnet linear eddy current brake with high performance and its nonlinear analytical model are proposed. The innovative point lies in attaching an additional mechanical magnetic adjuster directly above the interior permanent magnet bar, which can achieve flexible adjustment of the air-gap flux and improve the generation capacity of the braking force and its regulation range. Considering the importance of the analytic model in practical design, the average air-gap flux density and eddy current density are estimated based on the equivalent magnetic circuit method and Ampere’s law, where the critical flux-weakening effect and leakage flux effect are calculated quantitatively. Then a practical theoretical model of braking force is derived based on the energy conversion and verified by the 3D finite-element method. Through analysis of the magnitude and regulation range of the braking force in a given range of speed, the advantages of the device and the electromagnetic force model are proved separately. Moreover, design suggestions for selecting the key geometrical parameters are further given, which offer useful information for pre-design and optimization.

Acute Neuromuscular Fatigability and Perceived Exertion in High-Level University Pianists: An Electromyography and Maximum Force Capacity Study.

Musicians are labelled 'fine motor athletes' due to the significant demands of practice and performance. In response, sports medical concepts and expertise have been adapted and mobilized to address musicians' health considerations. However, understanding distinct differences between the sports and performing arts medical contexts is critical. Mismanagement of fatigue and acute fatigability are identified as key risk factors for deleterious symptoms and injuries in musicians. Acute fatigability in athletes and musicians have been assumed to occur similarly, although this has yet to be empirically demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate acute muscular performance fatigability during piano performance of varied intensities. Fourteen university pianists attended a single experimental session and performed three pieces of randomly ordered repertoire for 10 minutes each. Repertoire were self-selected to be physically easy (rating of perceived exertion [RPE] 9/20), somewhat hard (RPE 13/20), or hard (RPE 17/20). At baseline, after each repertoire performance, and following a concluding 10-minute silent sitting period, participants completed maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) grip and shoulder strength tests. Surface electromyographic (EMG) data were obtained from bilateral upper trapezius and forearm flexor and extensor muscles. Data were analyzed using uni- and multivariate repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs). No evidence of muscular performance fatigability was found in study pianists at any intensity. Mean EMG amplitude and average median EMG frequency did not significantly vary during any repertoire performances or MVC tests (F≤1.72; p>0.09). Additionally, no changes in force or EMG parameters were found during any MVC tests (F≤1.19; p>0.31). The absence of muscular performance fatigability during even the most intense piano performances suggests substantially differing mechanisms of fatigability and perceived exertion in pianists versus those commonly seen in sport athletes. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of acute fatigability in musicians and develop musician-specific management strategies.

Experimental Investigation of Ultimate Shear Force Capacity of Glulam Reinforced with Glued-in Threaded Rods

Background: Glued-in threaded (GIT) rods have been considered an effective timber connection method having several advantages, such as high load-carrying capacity, great stiffness, and good fire resistance. This type of connection has widely been utilized in newly built modern timber structures and for reinforcing the existing ones. Objective: The purpose of this experimental research is to investigate how the ultimate shear force capacity (USFC) of glulam is affected if it is reinforced with GIT rods and to study the interaction between the glulam and GIT rods. The results of this research can help researchers and engineers to select a suitable method of reinforcing the glulam with GIT rods at a superior inclination angle (IA) to the fiber direction in order to achieve higher USFCs. Methods and Experimental Tests: A total of forty glulam samples were tested for failure. The experimental tests consisted of five different series of samples with eight samples in each series. Sample series 1 were unreinforced glulam. Sample series 2 and 4 were glulam reinforced with the GIT rods at two different IAs of 45° and 90° to the fiber direction, respectively. Sample series 3 and 5 were glulam reinforced in the same way as sample series 2 and 4, but they were split in the middle. The samples were tested for failure using a standard testing machine. The machine was connected to a computer that recorded all the values obtained from the tests. Results: The results of the study were obtained as force-displacement graphs. The stiffness of the samples and interaction between the glulam and GIT rods were also calculated. The results achieved from the experimental tests of different series were compared and discussed. Conclusion: The experimental tests resulted in a 12.5% increase in the average USFC of sample series 2. However, the average USFC of sample series 4 was not enhanced significantly. The interaction between the glulam and GIT rods was obtained as 31.8% for the samples with reinforcing at the IA of 45° to the fiber direction and 3.8% for the samples with reinforcing at the IA of 90° to the fiber direction. Reinforcing the glulam with the GIT rods demonstrated the potential of enhancing its USFC. However, reinforcing the glulam with the GIT rods at the IA of 45° to the fiber direction was found to be superior to reinforcing the glulam with the GIT rods at the IA of 90° to the fiber direction.