Numerical modelling of FRP plate reinforced glulam

Low-grade glued laminated timber (glulam) can be effectively reinforced using fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials. This paper discusses the development and application of a nonlinear finite element model to simulate the behaviour of unreinforced and FRP plate reinforced low-grade glulam beams. The model utilises constitutive relationships developed from mechanical testing of the timber. Anisotropic plasticity theory is employed in the model and the failure model is the maximum stress criterion. The predicted behaviour agrees strongly with experimental findings for load-deflection, stiffness and ultimate moment capacity of the unreinforced and reinforced beams. A parametric analysis demonstrated that as the FRP reinforcement percentage was increased, enhancements in the stiffness, ultimate moment capacity and nonlinear behaviour of the hybrid beam could be obtained.