Glued-Laminated Beam Strength: A Model

A model for the prediction of bending and tensile strength of glued-laminated beams is developed. The model accounts for effect of size, lamination thickness effect, E-rating, and proof-loading of the individual laminations, and it can be used in computer simulations to estimate the distribution of beam strength. Eight types of beams, differing in size as well as in lamination lay-up, were tested. The experimental results are compared with the model’s simulations and the agreement is found to be satisfactory.