Numerical Analysis of Temperature Distributions in Glulam Beams Exposed to Fire and Reinforced With Aramid Composite

Currently, strengthening timber elements with the use of various materials has become popular.Reinforcements are used to repair existing elements or improve the static operating characteristicsof new elements. Fibre composites are being increasingly used as reinforcement. Investigationshave shown that the use of fibre composites influences the nature of static work. However, anunder-researched issue is the determination of the influence of composite reinforcement ontemperature distributions and, consequently, the depth and shape of charring in the cross-sectionduring fire. The article presents a numerical thermal analysis of cross-sections of glulam beamsreinforced with aramid materials in various forms. Fire action was assumed in accordance with theISO fire curve and the fire load on three of the four edges of the beams was modelled. Temperaturedistributions are presented for all analysed cases, which shows the beneficial effect of the use ofaramid reinforcement on the temperature distribution in the cross-section during a fire.