A model was developed for predicting the statistical distribution of glued-laminated beam strength and stiffness under normal temperature conditions using available long span modulus of elasticity data, end joint tension test data, and tensile strength data for laminating-grade lumber. The beam strength model predictions compared favorably with test data for glued-laminated beam strength data with 8 and 10 laminations; however, the model predicted strength values 30 percent higher for glued-laminated beam strength data with 4 laminations. Fire endurance and structural resistance were evaluated by artificially reducing the cross section. This reduction accounts for char depth as well as for reduced wood strength caused by the elevated temperature. Average time-to-failure predictions using the developed model compared well with those from conventional prediction methods.

A previous paper presented a reliability-based model to predict the strength of glued-laminated timber beams at both room temperature and during fire exposure. This Monte Carlo simulation procedure generates strength and fire endurance (time-to-failure, TTF) data for glued-laminated beams that allow assessment of mean strength and TTF as well as their variability. This paper reports an effort to validate model predictive capability through an independently fabricated set of 21 glued-laminated beams. Based upon the available data for the model input parameters on lumber strength and stiffness, finger-joint strength, and length of laminating lumber between sequential finger joints, the model of beam strength appears acceptable and possibly slightly conservative. Refinements in the beam strength model allow its use for predicting fire endurance. In this case, the fire endurance is measured by the TTF and is defined as the time the beam will support its design load while subjected to fire. The residual strength of the beam is analytically calculated by removing the char layer, plus a finite thickness of weakened wood, from the beam cross section as fire exposure time increases. Employing the input parameters for values of finger-joint strength and lamination grades of Douglas-fir, the fire endurance TTF was analyzed for a 5.12- by 16.50-inch 11-lamination Douglas Fir-Larch beam (24F-V4) carrying full allowable uniform load (47.7 lb/in.). (Three-sided fire exposure was assumed; however, four-sided exposure can also be accommodated.) A simulated random fabrication and analysis of the TTF under fire exposure for 100 beams was performed. The mean TTF was estimated as 35.2 minutes with a coefficient of variation of 13.7 percent. Lateral torsional buckling was never the cause of failure in any of the simulations. The results compared well (within a 65 pct confidence band) with the observations and predictions for timber beams reported by sources in other countries. A simulation for a single glulam beam test in cooperation with the National Forest Products Association was also conducted which predicted the result exactly.

Timber construction is one of the most prevalent methods of constructing buildings in North America and an increasingly significant method of construction in Europe and the rest of the world. Timber Engineering deals not only with the structural aspects of timber construction, structural components, joints and systems based on solid timber and engineered wood products, but also material behaviour and properties on a wood element level. Produced by internationally renowned experts in the field, this book represents the state of the art in research on the understanding of the material behaviour of solid wood and engineered wood products. There is no comparable compendium currently available on the topic - the subjects represented include the most recent phenomena of timber engineering and the newest development of practice-related research. Grouped into three different sections, 'Basic properties of wood-based structural elements', 'Design aspects on timber structures' and 'Joints and structural assemblies', this book focuses on key issues in the understanding of: timber as a modern engineered construction material with controlled and documented properties the background for design of structural systems based on timber and engineered wood products the background for structural design of joints in structural timber systems Furthermore, this invaluable book contains advanced teaching material for all technical schools and universities involved in timber engineering. It also provides an essential resource for timber engineering students and researchers, as well as practicing structural and civil engineers.