Work

Experimental and Numerical Studies of “Wood–Composite” Reinforcement in Bending Sheared Wooden Beams Using Pre-Stressed Natural and Artificial Fibers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Recent studies have confirmed the effectiveness of using natural fibers and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites as methods to improve the mechanical properties of timber structures. This improvement is particularly evident in static and dynamic flexural and shear performance. Moreover, there is a paucity of literature pertaining to numerical models that predict the non-linear behaviour of low-quality timber beams reinforced with natural and man-made fibers. The present article expounds upon a shear bending study of timber beams reinforced with bars in addition to other materials. The experimental study yielded the following findings: the best properties were obtained with hybrid reinforcement, in comparison to the reference beams. The enhancement of load-bearing capacity and stiffness for beams that have been reinforced with pre-stressed basalt bars was found to be the most advantageous, with increases of approximately 17% and 8%, respectively. Natural fibers exhibited slightly lower values, with an increase in load-bearing capacity and stiffness of approximately 14% and 3%, respectively, when compared to beams that had not been reinforced. Moreover, the numerical analyses yielded analogous results to those obtained from the experimental study. The numerical models thus proved to be a valid tool with which to study the influence of the reinforcement factor.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma18184418

Authors: Agnieszka Katarzyna Wdowiak-Postulak, Grzegorz Świt, Aleksandra Krampikowska, Luong Minh Chinh

Institutions: Kielce University of Technology, Thuyloi University

Language: English

Topic: Wood Treatment and Properties

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137