Modulus of Elasticity and Flexural Behavior of Glulam Beams Reinforced with Steel Mesh in Different Mesh Openings

Abstract

In this study, the modulus of elasticity and flexural strength properties of laminated wood elements reinforced with steel mesh with different mesh openings were determined. In accordance with the purpose of the study, three- and five-layer laminated elements were produced from scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood material, which is widely used in the wood construction industry in Türkiye. The 50, 70, and 90 mesh steel used as the support layer was placed between each lamella and pressed with polyvinylacetate (PVAc-D4) and polyurethane (PUR-D4) adhesives. Afterward, the prepared test samples were kept for 3 weeks at 20 °C temperature and 65 ± 5% relative humidity for 3 weeks. The flexural strength and modulus of elasticity in flexural of the prepared test samples were determined according to the TS EN 408: 2010+A1 standard by the Zwick universal tester. Multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) was carried out using MSTAT-C 1.2 software to determine the effect of the modulus of elasticity and flexural strength on the obtained flexural properties, the mesh opening of the support layer, and the adhesive type. When the differences within or between groups were significant with a margin of error of 0.05, achievement rankings were made using the Duncan test on the basis of the least significant difference. According to the results of the research, the highest bending strength (120.3 N/mm2) was obtained in three-layer samples reinforced with 50 mesh steel wire and bonded with Pol-D4 glue, and the highest modulus of elasticity (8969.3 N/mm2) was obtained in three-layer samples reinforced with 50 mesh steel wire and bonded with Pol-D4 glue. As a result, the reinforcement of the laminated wood material with steel wire had an increasing effect on the strength. Accordingly, the use of 50 mesh steel wire can be recommended to increase mechanical properties.