Effect of Different Types of FRP Placed Between Layers on Flexural Properties of Laminated Timber

Abstract: Wood is widely used in the construction sector as a natural, renewable, and sustainable material. It stands out with its features such as requiring little processing, low waste production and being environmentally friendly. Its use, especially for structural purposes, is increasing with developing technology. Laminated laminated timber is an industrial product consisting of wood layers combined parallel to the grain direction. Wooden structures need repair and reinforcement over time. Traditional methods include applications such as steel or aluminum plates and wood patches, but these methods are both costly and ineffective in all cases. At this point, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites offer an alternative solution. FRPs have the advantages of high strength and stiffness-to-weight ratios, low maintenance costs, and easy installation. Studies on strengthening wooden structures with FRP have generally focused on the bending strength of beams. In this project, laminated timber beams produced from spruce wood were strengthened with carbon, glass, and aramid fiber reinforcements, and their bending behaviors were examined. The results show that carbon fiber-reinforced polymers provide the highest performance. Glass and aramid fibers show certain improvements but have not been found to be as effective as carbon fiber-reinforced polymers in improving flexural properties. This suggests that the reinforcement material to be used in structural elements should be carefully selected according to the targeted performance characteristics.