Testing Methods to Determine Properties of Fiber Reinforced Plastic Panels Used for Reinforcing Glulams

The use of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) panels to reinforce wood and wood composites, particularly glued laminated timber (glulam), has gained acceptance by the wood industry recently. The reinforced glulam exhibits substantial advantages in its structural and economical performance. The FRP used in the glulam reinforcement is in thin panel form with a thickness of 0.05–0.095 in. It is composed of 100% unidirectional high modulus fibers, such as aramids, carbon, or fiberglass. The fibers are embedded in a thermosetting plastic matrix in either pure or hybrid form. The fiber to resin ratio is approximately 66% by volume. Physical, mechanical, and durability properties are the most interesting properties for practice engineers and manufacturers to know. To select appropriate test methods for the evaluation of these properties is crucial for the ensuring of accurate design values. The intention of this paper is to provide a rational model for other engineers, researchers, and manufacturers to use in bringing FRP products into infrastructure and building construction places. This paper evaluated and recommended selection of existing test methods. FRP has been tested using selected test methods. Data gathered from these tests are reported in the paper.