Behaviour of Timber Confined with CFRP under Compression

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive theoretical and experimental investigation on the behaviour of timber confined with carbon fibre reinforcement polymers (CFRP) in compression. The use of CFRP strengthening systems has shown to increase strength and ductility of timber as demonstrated in the theoretical component of the research. The theoretical section of the research outlines the benefits for strengthening, seismic mitigation, historical retrofit and military applications. The compressive strength and stress-strain relationship were the main elements of the experimental research. The experimental component involved the wrapping of 20 samples and comparing results with three unwrapped samples. The CFRP wrapping enhanced the ductility of the samples, presenting a mitigation system for timber structures in regions susceptible to earthquakes. Improvements in ultimate strength of the CFRP confined timber was inconclusive due to the anisotropy of the timber, although the variability of the timber from defects such as cracks and knots was alleviated by the confinement.