Mechanical characterization of homogeneous and hybrid beech-Corsican pine glue-laminated timber beams

This paper describes the results of an experimental investigation on novel homogeneous and hybrid beech-Corsican pine glue-laminated timber (glulam) beams made of short supply chain timber boards and melamine-based adhesive. The aim is to carry out the mechanical characterization of these glulam beams both in the homogeneous and in the hybrid configuration by four-point bending tests with different span to depth ratios of the specimens in order to differentiate bending and shear tests. The experimental results were fitted analytically as well as by means of Finite Element (FE) numerical simulations. Moreover, the stiffness of these novel beams is further evaluated, with respect to a comparison with a commercial product made of GL24h glulam. The experimental and numerical analysis point out the goodness of hardwood for the manufacturing of glulam beams, even in hybrid configuration in which the inner layers are made of low graded timber boards, with a great opportunity to optimize the raw material.