Adhesively bonded plate and rod reinforcements for timber flexural beams

In this paper, are described a series of tests that have been undertaken to elucidate the effects of geometry, material properties and reinforcement location on the flexural properties of laminated veneer lumber. The fracture modes are found to be a function of the properties and location of the reinforcement and ultimately the strength of bonding between the components. The use of high modulus reinforcements is beneficial to enhancing the stiffness of laminated veneer lumber, whereas lower stiffness reinforcements are beneficial for the enhancement of strength. Lowered fractions of rod and plate reinforcement are as beneficial as higher fractions of rod and plate reinforcement in reinforcing timber, provided they are judiciously positioned in the timber and have a stable bond.