Compressive Strength and Dynamic Bending Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Structural Timbers: Experimental Study

Abstract

The compressive strength and dynamic bending resistance were tested for solid wood reinforced with glass and carbon fiber fabrics perpendicular to the fibers. The obtained data were used to predict the structural suitability of fiber-reinforced systems, especially for strengthening vertical load-bearing elements of historical buildings. Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Turkish beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), which are widely used in the construction and furniture industries in Türkiye, were coated with 200, 300, and 400 g/m² glass fiber fabric, carbon fiber fabric, and glass chip using epoxy resin. Compression tests conducted in the direction perpendicular to the fibers were applied according to the TS ISO 13061-5 (2021) standard. The highest compressive strength was obtained in the KK group (84.6 N/mm²), while the lowest value was obtained in group ÇCW1 (48.6 N/mm²). Dynamic (shock) bending strength tests were conducted in accordance with the TS ISO 13061-10 (2021) standard, and the highest dynamic bending strength was measured in the KCW2 group (70.2 kJ/mm²), while the lowest value was measured in the Scotch pine control group (35.6 kJ/mm²). Fiber-reinforced systems, with their mechanically weak properties, offer a viable solution for improving the compressive and dynamic bending strength of wood materials.