Enhancement of Mechanical Properties in FRP-Reinforced Glulam Column-Beam Connections: A FEM Approach

Glued laminated timber (glulam), a composite material fabricated by bonding multiple wood layers, is engineered to support specific loads, offering reduced product variability and diminished sensitivity to inherent wood characteristics, such as knots. This technology facilitates a wide array of architectural designs, rendering it a popular choice for load-bearing elements across diverse construction projects, including residential structures, storage facilities, and pedestrian overpasses. Over time, exposure to various environmental conditions leads to the degradation of these structural components, necessitating periodic reinforcement to maintain their strength properties. Recent advancements have seen the adoption of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) for the reinforcement of columns and beams, a departure from traditional strengthening methods. This study focuses on the connection of column-beam joints using an array of steel fasteners, subsequently reinforced with FRP. Rotational tests were conducted on these fabricated connections, followed by a comprehensive analysis using the finite element method (FEM). Results indicate that connections reinforced with FRP exhibit a significant enhancement in load-carrying capacity, energy dissipation, and stiffness compared to their unreinforced counterparts. Specifically, the load-carrying capacity showed an increase of 25-39%, energy dissipation capacity augmented by 64-69%, and stiffness values rose by 2-7%. These findings underscore the efficacy of FRP reinforcement in improving the structural integrity and performance of glulam column-beam connections, offering valuable insights for the design and renovation of wood-based construction elements.