Enhancing low grade sitka spruce glulam beams with bonded-in BFRP rods
Date
2014Author
O'Ceallaigh, Conan
Harte, Annette M.
Sikora, Karol
McPolin, Daniel
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O'Ceallaigh, Conan, Harte, Annette M., Sikora, Karol, & McPolin, Daniel. (2014). Enhancing low grade sitka spruce glulam beams with bonded-in BFRP rods. Paper presented at the COST Action FP1004 Experimental Research with Timber conference.
Abstract
The reinforcement of timber elements using fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) rods or plates
is widely accepted as an effective method of increasing the stiffness of members, while at
the same time reducing the variability in properties. There are many options to choose
from in relation to the FRP material and one of the least documented is basalt fibre
reinforced polymer (BFRP). BFRP is the reinforcement chosen in this project due to its
superior properties over more commonly used FRPs. Twenty low-grade Irish glued
laminated beams are reinforced with two near surface mounted BFRP rods. They are
tested in four-point bending in both their unreinforced and reinforced state and the
percentage increase in bending stiffness is calculated. The average increase in local bending
stiffness is 16.30% with a standard deviation of 1.65%. In addition, the variability in the
bending stiffness of the beams is reduced after reinforcement.