Numerical Analyses of Timber Columns Reinforced by Particulate Composite Material

Beams are structural elements commonly used in structure for construction designs. Usually wood is applied as structural elements and its use is very important because it is a material of renewable source, low density and satisfactory mechanical performance. When the wood surface is not properly treated, the structure can be destroyed not only by environmental conditions but also the attack of insects, compromising the structural design. This research presents the use of a particulate composite material of epoxy resin reinforced with white Portland cement in order to be applied as repair in timber columns. The mechanical performance of this material is essentially numerical, based on the Finite Element Method. The wood used in the simulation was the Eucalyptus grandis. The elastic properties were obtained from the specialist literature in the field of timber structures. The results of numerical simulations in terms of tension and buckling loads, the inclusion of the composite in the damaged regions (for all dimensions of the defects studied) provided buckling load results significantly higher than the buckling load values for the conditions without composite, and near to the values of the buckling loads without defect, highlighting the good performance of the particulate composite material in the repair of timber columns.

Novel Sandwich Composite with Recycled Multilayer Carton Core and Aluminum Facings

ABSTRACTIn the present study a new sandwich laminate is designed and mechanically characterized. The laminate is elaborated with a core of particulate composite material consisting of recycled material from milk and juice cartons (multilayer laminate of Tetra Brik®), and HDPE containers from Urban Solid Waste (USW). The elaborated material consists of aluminum facings with a particulate core, consolidated with a thermoplastic adhesive of polypropylene- maleic anhydride. The main properties under tension are evaluated under testing standards. Results show good compatibility in the union of elements, with potential applications in building facades and false walls for the construction and furnishing industries.