Experimental Investigation of the Performance of GFRP Straight and Bent Bars as Flexural Reinforcement of Glulam Beams

The proposed research investigates the effects of glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars as a means of flexural reinforcement for glulam beams. Engineered wood products (EWPs) such as glue-laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT) allow for wood to be used in a larger array of applications. Fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) can be used as a method of reinforcing timber elements, commonly in the form of sheets or bars. Despite the recent uptake in mass timber construction, the Canadian codes and standards, lack provisions regarding FRP reinforced glulam members. The research program will include testing of twenty-two full scale beams, four unreinforced and eighteen with varying reinforcement schemes, under static loading. Small- scale testing will be done to determine the materials properties of both the wood and the FRP for later use in analysis and modelling. This research will provide a foundation for understanding the interaction between of GFRP rebar and glulam.

Faculty Supervisor:

Daniel Lacroix

Student:

Partner:

MST Rebar Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure; Manufacturing

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: