THE STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF GLULAM AND BOLT- LAMINATED BEAM

John Wasiu; Okore Kalu Nnamdi Eric; Akintade Olufemi Ezra

John Wasiu Department of Civil Engineering, Edo State University Uzairue, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria
Okore Kalu Nnamdi Eric Department of Civil Engineering, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Akintade Olufemi Ezra Science &Technical Department, St. Louis Secondary School, Ondo

Keywords: Adhesive, Bolted connection, Flexural strength, Strength class

Abstract

This research presents the strength characteristics of Glulam and Bolted Beam timber specimens. The most common connection method in timber construction is the nail. It is imperative to explore other methods such as glue and bolt in order to avert the disadvantages of nails such as labour intensive and increase in cost. Experimental investigation was carried out on three selected Nigeria timbers; Ceiba Pentandra, Terminalia ivorensis and Tectona grandis. The specimen was prepared in sizes as either glued, bolted or solid connection. Moisture content, density, compression parallel and perpendicular to grain and flexural tests were carried out in the laboratory. The glulam beam specimen; Ceiba Pentandra, Terminalia ivorensis and Tectona grandis showed some positive potentials for application than the bolt-laminated beam connection. It was concluded that bolted connection can be improved by increasing bolt sizes and connection points.