Reliability Formulation for the Strength and Fire Endurance of Glued-laminated Beams

Book excerpt: A model was developed for predicting the statistical distribution of glued-laminated beam strength and stiffness under normal temperature conditions using available long span modulus of elasticity data, end joint tension test data, and tensile strength data for laminating-grade lumber. The beam strength model predictions compared favorably with test data for glued-laminated beam strength data with 8 and 10 laminations; however, the model predicted strength values 30 percent higher for glued-laminated beam strength data with 4 laminations. Fire endurance and structural resistance were evaluated by artificially reducing the cross section. This reduction accounts for char depth as well as for reduced wood strength caused by the elevated temperature. Average time-to-failure predictions using the developed model compared well with those from conventional prediction methods.