Effect of FRP Reinforcement on Low Grade Eastern Hemlock Glulams

Published: 1996

Author(s):
Abdel-Magid, B.
Dagher, H.
Shaler, S. M.
Kimball, T. E.

Publication Name:

Publication URL: https://trid.trb.org/view/482226

Research Area:
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Abstract:

The benefits of reinforcing glulam beams made with eastern hemlock, an under-utilized wood species in the state of Maine, are discussed. Nine beams reinforced with fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) on the tension side and three unreinforced controls were instrumented and tested to failure in four-point bending. Low, medium, and high quality wood were used in the experimental study. FRP reinforcement ratios ranged from 0.3% to 3.1%. A nonlinear numerical model that predicts the performance of the RFP-glulam beams through the entire load was developed and its predictions are compared with the test results.