Numerical and experimental studies on mechanical properties of glued laminated timber beams made from European beech wood

In this paper, the results of extensive experimental and numerical studies on the bending behaviour of glued laminated timber beams made from European beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) are reported and discussed. A total number of 5740 European beech timber boards from four Swiss sawmills were strength graded, systematically examined and documented, and used to produce beams with well known properties, i.e. detailed information on density, dynamic modulus of elasticity, and location and size of knots in each lamination is available. Beams of various heights (200, 400, 600, 800 mm) and strength classes (GL 40c, GL 48c, GL 55c) were tested and modelled in 4-point bending to determine the bending strength, local and global modulus of elasticity, and the shear modulus. In addition to laser-based displacement sensors, a digital image correlation (DIC) system was used, allowing for an in-depth investigation of strains on the surface of the beams