Use of CFRP connectors in glulam flexural joints

Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites have been largely used in combination with masonry and concrete structural elements in the last decade. Recent applications showed that new advantages may be achieved also in the field of timber structures, even if at the moment a large use of steel elements is done. This study investigated the possibility of using CFRP rods as glued-in connectors for glulam timber joints that should transfer flexural moment between two adjacent beams. Full-size head joints were prepared and tested. Flexural behaviour of joints was compared with the mechanical properties of mono-piece beams that were used as reference specimens. Three different bonded lengths were used for the construction of CFRP-timber joints. Experimental results showed that the use of CFRP rods in timber joints was successful since the capacity of the CFRP-jointed beams was almost the same as the monolithic beams for the longest bond length that was adopted. This result is important in order to find an adequate alternative to traditional joints made with steel bolts and plates that are not able to create rigid connections and increase dramatically the weight of timber structures.