Lateral load performance evaluation of larch glulam portal frames using GFRP-reinforced laminated plate and GFRP rod

Abstract

The evaluation of the lateral load performance for larch glulam portal frames was carried out using glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) as connector in two different systems: the GFRP-reinforced laminated plates combined with veneer, and GFRP rod joints glued with epoxy resins to replace usual metal connectors for the structural glulam rahmen joints. As a result the yield strength, ultimate strength, initial stiffness of glulams of GFRP rod joints glued with epoxy resin decreased to 49%, 52% and 61% compared to those of the conventional metal connector. This connector will be a stress device where the bonding strength between the GFRP rod and glued laminated timber is important. Thus, there will be a high possibility that a problem may occur when it is applied to the field. On the other hand, the GFRP reinforced laminated plates and wood (Eucalyptus marginata) pin were measured all within 3% for all measurements of the yield strength, ultimate strength, initial strength and ductility factor, regardless of high cross sectional loss on the glued laminated timber slit joint. In addition, the variation of stiffness on the cycle was 35%, which was the lowest, confirming that it was almost the same performance as the specimen prepared with the metal connector.