Strengthening Mechanical Properties of Glulam with Basalt Fiber

Abstract

This paper describes the strategy of improving the Mechanical Properties of timber and other wood-based glulam structures. This is achieved by bonding Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) composites to structural substrate externally. FRP Composite materials have been proven to be an effective way to traditional steel plate strengthening techniques for concrete structures from results of a variety of researchers over the past two decades; this paper shows the use of this material for same strengthening purpose in timber structures.The experimental program consisted in testing glulam flexural elements as follows: laminates are glued with two different Adhesives and two different lengths, both in natural form and reinforced by BFRP. All specimens were tested under three point bending at a predetermined loading increment rate, the lateral deflection were recorded regularly. The data processing consisted of bonding processes, load, deflection and moment curvature plots construction which were used for analysis and observations.The results revealed that there was a marked increase in the load bearing capacity of the timber flexural element, due to BFRP strengthening and there was also an increased rigidity in the member characteristics.

Key words: Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites; Structural Strengthening and Reinforcement; Glulam; HMR; BFRP