Effect of laminate configuration on the modulus of elasticity of glulam evaluated using a strain gauge method

The purpose of this study was to measure the strain of glulam laminae by affixing a strain gauge at the central axis of the lateral face in order to determine the effect of the configuration of the glulam. Japanese cedar and southern pine were used in the study. The strain and stress of the laminae during the bending test were recorded, and the modulus of elasticity (MOE) was calculated. The influence of the MOE of the adhesive layers was also considered.
Results showed that the MOE of the laminated elements increased as its specific gravity increased, although the specific gravity was not the only factor evaluated. The MOE of glulam (Ebsg) measured by the strain gauge method was very close to the observed MOE of glulam (Eb) and a significant linear relationship was identified. The MOE (e) of laminae measured by the strain gauge method was very close to that determined (E) under the “free condition” before bonding. The difference between the modified MOE (Ebsa) and Ebsg was not significant. The MOE of glulams made of heterogeneously graded lumbers were about 23%
and 31% larger than the average MOE of their laminae for Japanese cedar and southern pine, respectively. The actual
neutral axis was just below the longitudinal center line. It shifted slightly within the proportional limit range and moved downward when the load increased