Analysis of the strength and stiffness of timber beams reinforced with carbon fiber and glass fiber

Abstract

An experimental analysis of pinewood beams (Pinus caribea var hondurensis) reinforced with glass and/or carbon fibers is discussed. The theoretical model employed to calculate the beam's bending strength takes into account the timber's ultimate limit states of tensile strength and failure by compression, considering a model of fragile elastic tension and plastic elastic compression. The validity of the theoretical model is confirmed by a comparison of the theoretical and experimental results, while the efficiency of the fiber reinforcement is corroborated by the increased strength and stiffness of the reinforced timber beams.

Keywords

• timber
• glass fiber
• carbon fiber and reinforced structural