Moment resistance performance evaluation of larch glulam joints using GFRP-reinforced laminated plate and GFRP rod

Abstract

Instead of metal connector generally used on the structural glued laminated timber rahmen joints, the GFRP reinforced laminated plates combining veneer and GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic) and bonded type GFRP rod were used as the connectors. As a result of moment resistance performance evaluation on the joint part applied with these connectors, the yield moment of specimen using the GFRP reinforced laminated plates and GFRP rod pin was measured 4 % lower in comparison to the specimen (Type-1) using the metal connectors, but the initial rotational stiffness was measured 29% higher. Also, the yield moment and rotational stiffness of the specimen using the GFRP-reinforced laminated plates and wood (Eucalyptus marginata) pin showed were measured 11% and 56% higher in comparison to the Type-1 specimen, showing the best performance. It was also confirmed through the failure shape and perfect elasto-plasticity analysis that it showed ductility behavior, not brittle fracture, from the shear resisting force by the pin and the bonding strength increased and the unification of member was carried out. On the other hand, in case of the specimen bonded with GFRP rod, it was impossible to measure the bonding performance or it was measured very low due to poor bonding.