This project investigates the possibility of integrating reinforcement with softwoodglulam (glue laminated) timber beams to provide an economic alternative tohardwood timber girders. The resources of hardwood timbers are dwindling due to areduction in tree felling, and hardwood timber plantations are unable to keep up withdemand. Due to this growing shortage, there is an increased need to find a suitablereplacement for deteriorating hardwood timber girders on rural bridges throughoutQueensland. This project analyses a possible alternative. From a design stand point,the beams should cater for the requirements specified by the Department of MainRoads.An experimental approach has been taken to study the effect of the integration of steelreinforcing within the laminates of a glulam timber beam. This design will be testedfor strength using a four-point bending arrangement with two hydraulic jacksproviding force on the member.The results of the test showed the beam catered for the requirements andspecifications outlined by the Department of Main Roads up to 660kN. However,while the beam supported the load, the tested Modulus of Elasticity (MoE) felloutside the range of these specifications. It is considered that this could be easilyrectified following minor changes to the design.
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