Lightweight timber I-beams reinforced by composite materials

Abstract

Due to high performance, I-beams are one of the most common flexural members in the construction industry. This research experimentally and numerically investigates bending and shear strengths of lightweight composite I-beams made of timber with a view to enhancing the structural performance of the I-beams by reinforcing them using composite materials. Failure of the plain (unreinforced) specimens was examined by preliminary tests, and these results were then used to develop different strengthening strategies with respect to the principles of composite functionality. The efficiency of developed strengthening methods was experimentally examined, wherein load carrying capacity was increased by 70%. Additionally, a substantial amount of energy absorption and ductility boost was obtained for the reinforced composite beams relative to the plain specimens. FEA models reliably predicted and verified the experimental results of this research.