Adhesives for on-site bonding: characteristics, testing and prospects

The present chapter deals with the main characteristics of those adhesive products normally used for the reinforcement of timber structures, generally achieved through a site-applied bonding procedure. The characteristics relate to a combination of the chemical composition and the formulation characteristics of the products. A section dealing with testing procedures specifically intended for products to be used on site has also been added, as this aspect does not exist in current European standards. The principal issues associated with the use of those products, mainly relating to long-term duration aspects, are considered, providing more of the adhesive characteristics and features of the adhesive rather than the wood substrate. Finally, some challenges are introduced in order to improve research in this field.