Modelling the bending behaviour of a new hybrid glulam beam reinforced with FRP and ultra-high-performance concrete

The main objective of this research project to develop a new type of hybrid glulam beam that will increase the performance of a timber structural element by combining it with ultra-high-performance concrete with short fibre reinforcement (UHPC-SFR). The hybrid beam is obtained is a layered structures obtained by combining a glued-laminated (glulam) wood beam with UHPC-SFR lamellae that is bonded to its top and bottom faces. The obtained hybrid beam possesses a lower bending stiffness than a glulam beam of similar overall dimensions but has a higher ultimate load capacity. Two models that were developed to validate this concept are presented in this paper. The first is an analytical model based on hypotheses related to the usual strength of materials, and the second is a finite element model. The load-displacement and moment-curvature relationships from both models are compared to the experimental results obtained from the large-scale specimens. The results show good correlation between the analytical modelling and experimental results and illustrate the potential applications of such composite beam configurations for civil engineering structures.