Strengthening of timber beams using FRP bars

Abstract

The growing need for the reinforcement of timber beams (required due to deterioration or damage to the material or change of use) has led to the development of new methods of reinforcement with modern materials. In the recent years the use of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) as reinforcement materials for structures has been made possible thanks to the increased availability and lower costs. This paper presents FRP bars as products for strengthening timber structures. Strengthening timber with glass, carbon and basalt FRP can provide better features of timber beams, such as improved load capacity, rigidity and ductility. Also, the paper describes the theoretical model developed in order to predict the flexural capacity and flexural stiffness of timber beams reinforced with FRP bars.

Keywords

• timber structures
• strengthening
• FRP composites
• FRP bars