The development of novel post-tensioned glulam timber composites

Improvements in the structural performance of glulam timber beams by the inclusion of reinforcing materials can improve both the service performance and ultimate capacity. In recent years research focusing on the addition of fibre reinforced polymers to strengthen members has yielded positive result...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Lloyd, Emma
Published: Queen's University Belfast 2016
Subjects:
Online Access:http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.707817
Description
Summary:Improvements in the structural performance of glulam timber beams by the inclusion of reinforcing materials can improve both the service performance and ultimate capacity. In recent years research focusing on the addition of fibre reinforced polymers to strengthen members has yielded positive results. However, the FRP material is still a relatively expensive material and its full potential has not been realised in the combination with structural timber. The primary aim of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of strengthening timber beams by the addition of a post-tensioned basalt fibre reinforced polymer rod. This will be achieved through the experimental testing of a combination of unreinforced and post-tensioned GL28 timber beams, with both unbonded and bonded Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) rods being utilized as the post-tensioning tendon. It is intended that experimental and analytical research will begin to assess the viability of using this timber composite in construction scenarios.