Flexural strengthening of timber beams using carbon fibre reinforced polymer

Abstract

This research was conducted to investigate the bending behavior of timber beams strengthened using carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates. Five timber beams of Yellow Meranti species were tested. One of the beams was used as a control beam (unstrengthened) while the remaining four beams were strengthened before tested to failure under four point loading. The results showed that the strengthened beams performed better than the control beam. The ultimate and service load of the strengthened beams were increased between 31.8 – 44.5% and 27.1 – 80%, respectively when the CFRP area was between 0.15 – 0.42%. The strengthening of timber beams with CFRP has enhanced their stiffness. The stiffness of the beams was increased between 32.6 – 87.6%. The tensile crack and crushing occurred simultaneously (balanced reinforced) when the CFRP was about 0.16%. Modification factors for bending strength and stiffness for timber beam strengthened using CFRP plates were proposed from this research.