BioMatNet Item: AIR2-CT93-1057 - Duration of Load Effect on Different Sized Timber Beams

AIR2-CT93-1057
Duration of Load Effect on Different Sized Timber Beams

Contacts
Further Information

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AIR Cluster VIII - Wood Products : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Contract No	AIR2-CT93-1057
	Total Cost	2 205 460
	EC Contribution	1 185 000
	Start Date	01/09/1994
	Duration	36 months

OBJECTIVE:

The objective is to establish a new scientific basis for determination of the long term performance of timber (glulam, LVL are choosen for experiments). Duration of load effect and size effects have been studied separately so far and it is very likely the effects are not additive.

The work will include both experimental and theoretical parts and make use of specific scientific expertise and testing facilities of six participants (five countries). Experiments with different structural size specimens will be performed until failure under stepwise increasing load with one month durations of each load level, under variable climatic conditions/bending of notched or unnotched straight beams (LVL, glulam) of curved beams (glulam)/and will be completed by tests on finger joints and on tension perpendicular to grain.

Computation models for prediction of long term failure will be developed and tested based on : fracture mechanics, mechano-sorptive creep, damage mechanics; it includes moisture transport, as well as structural analysis. Final results will be used to conclude whether it is reasonable to use the same long term strength values for different size structural elements made of timber, specially for glulam.

Test on glulam curved beams in VTT (Fin)

Contacts

Coordinator

Pierre MORLIER / Laboratoire de Rheologie du Bois de Bordeaux / FRANCE

EC Scientific Officer

Ignacio SEOANE / European Commission DG Research Theme 1 Key Action 5.3 / BELGIUM

Participant