Date of Award

Fall 2016

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)

Department

General Engineering

Committee Chair

Brian Kukay

First Advisor

Lei Wang

Second Advisor

Raja Nagisetty

Abstract

After structural fires are extinguished, presuming the structure is not a total loss, structural wood members can be inspected for residual properties. Through this research, we explored alternative methods aimed at keeping structurally compromised wood member’s in service when they would otherwise warrant replacement. For this study, we used 24F-V8 DF/DF glued laminated beams that had been loaded to their max capacity; both non-fire damaged and fire damaged. In situations where physical and mechanical changes occur, and the beam warrants individual replacement, a new restoration procedure could be used to salvage the member. Salvaging the member could mean to keep it in service on a temporary basis or it could mean on a permanent basis. It is thought that sufficient capacity can result from using a carbon fiber wrap as an external reinforcement.

Factors that go into the replacement of structural members includes time, labor, and the potential to be very costly. It may not be an economical option. The carbon fiber wrap has the potential to provide a cost effective and non-invasive option in comparison to total member replacement.

The overall goals of this study were to 1) investigate the feasibility of cost effectively restoring a compromised glued laminated beam, and allow the member to remain in service, 2) explore vendor recommendations and compare them with measured data, computer simulations, and hand calculations, 3) quantify the amount of strength and stiffness restored, and qualify a procedure to do so. With a resilient, easy to apply carbon fiber wrap that adheres well with the exterior wood fibers, an economical reinforcement method could lead to restoration rather than replacement of fire damaged and/or compromised structural members.

With the carbon fiber wrap orientation presented in this research, there were many optimistic results. The results were found by comparing the fire damaged beam results to the test results from the original, undamaged glued laminated beam. Both were compared along with the carbon fiber wrapped fire damaged beam test results and the test results associated with the NDS tabulated design capacity for the glued laminated beam. Through computer modeling, industry collaboration, and laboratory experimentation, we were able to produce a carbon fiber wrap that restored the fire damaged glued laminated beam to a point in which it was deemed adequate to remain in service after warranting replacement.

The results show that the carbon fiber wrap technique could provide enough strength (MOR) and stiffness (MOE) to restore the fire damaged glued laminated beam to a state in which it could remain in service. The results provided an optimistic outlook for the potential widespread accessibility of the cost-effective fire damage restoration technique.

Comments

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in General Engineering

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