Flax fibers for strengthening of timber structures : finite element modelling

A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using the commercial finite element package ABAQUS [1] was carried out to model small prismatic glulam specimens and curved glulam beams reinforced with flax fibers composites. Two- and three-dimensional models were used to study the elastic and the softening response of the specimens. Damage and crack opening was modeled based on the "fictitious crack model". Cohesive elements together with a traction separation law were used. The model of glulam specimen where high tensile stresses perpendicular to grain are expected should consider the cylindrical orthotropy (annual rings) assumption. The tensile stresses perpendicular to grain obtained with FEA can be compared to those from experiments. Cohesive interface elements have been used successfully to model the crack formation and propagation in glulam under tension perpendicular to the grain.Godkänd; 2008; Bibliografisk uppgift: Titel på proceedings: 13th European Conference on Composite Materials Undertitel på proceedings: 2-5 June 2008, Stockholm, Sweden; 20081208 (ysko