Compression tests of circular timber column confined with carbon fibers using inorganic matrix

Many engineering wooden components in our nation's infrastructure are deteriorating and are in need of repair and strengthening. Timber piles, timber poles, timber posts, and naval fender systems are examples of timber infrastructure elements that are experiencing significant deterioration due to moisture, extreme temperatures, and weathering and are in need of repair and upgrade. The use of fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPC) has proven to be effective in rehabilitating and upgrading infrastructure elements. FRPC are also now being considered for new structures to improve strength, ductility, predictability, and durability. This note describes an experimental investigation of circular columns made of poplar wood confined with carbon fibers in an inorganic matrix and subjected to axial compression. Results from this study showed that carbon fiber confinement increased strength, stiffness, ductility, and reduced the variability in timber column behavior under axial loads. The study showed that the full fiber wrap and full fabric wrap confinement were more effective than spirals and hoops and will make the timber column behavior much more reliable and provide protective coating.