Experimental, analytical and numerical investigation on the capacity of composite glulam beams with holes. (15th June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Santis, Yuri; Pasca, Dag Pasquale; Aloisio, Angelo; Stenstad, Andreas; Mahnert, Karl-Christian
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 285(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-06-15
• Subjects: Holes -- Glulam -- Reinforcement -- NLFM -- Experimental tests -- Hanging loads; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2023.115995
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Abstract: Holes in timber beams can significantly affect their bearing capacity. This paper presents an extensive experimental investigation of the effect of circular holes with and without plywood reinforcement on glulam joists behaviour. The tests consider the variability of hole position, number and diameter. In the second step, a finite element model based on fracture mechanics was developed and validated against the experimental force–displacement curves of thirteen configurations. The model reproduces crack initiation and propagation through the adoption of cohesive contact layers. The satisfactory agreement with the experimental data has been the base of extensive parametric analyses considering multiple beam and hole geometry selections and two load arrangements at the upper and lower side of the beam. Finally, the results of the parametric analyses, initially used for a qualitative understanding of the structural behaviour, are used for calibrating probabilistic capacity models of the capacity of simply-supported beams with circular holes. The mechanics-based probabilistic model calculates the capacity as the product between the analytical capacity associated with the reduced cross-section and an adimensional correction factor. The factor is expressed as a linear combination of a set of explanatory variables selected after a step-wise deletion process. Highlights: Experimental tests on composite GLT beams with holes. Effect of holes number, geometry, position and plywood reinforcement. Validation of a nonlinear finite element model. Automatic parametric analyses. Probabilistic capacity model.