Comparison of using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) panels and metal panels in the joints of wooden structures

The use of steel plates in the joints of wooden structures is a common application. However, due to the inherent moisture in the wood, the steel plates are easily corroded, so the wood in the joints of the structures decays and shortens the life of the wooden structures. In this study, the suitability of the use of non-corrodible CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) instead of steel sheets in terms of mechanical strength was investigated. Specimens were prepared using different types of joint systems and they were subjected to tensile and console bending tests. The results of the specimens in each sample type were compared with each other. As a result of the tensile test, the strength of carbon fiber-reinforced samples was found to increase 44% for the Longitudinal Notched Lap Joint samples and 26% in end-to-end joining samples and 9% in tongued longitudinal joining samples, according to the strength of the samples reinforced by steel plates. The strength of the samples reinforced by using glass-fiber sheets was found to be 51% in the Longitudinal Notched Lap Joint samples, 59% in the end-to-end joining samples and 35% in tongued longitudinal joining samples according to the strength of the samples reinforced by using metal plates. As a result of the console bending test, the strength of the carbon fiber reinforced samples was found to increase by 60% in the L-joining, 67% in the T-joining and 80% in the 45 ° miter joint samples according to the strength of the steel plates reinforced samples. The strength of the samples strengthened by using glass fiber sheets was found to be 85% in the L joining, 96% in the T joining and 78% in the 45 ° miter joint samples according to the strength of the samples reinforced using metal plates.