THE STUDY ON TIMBER PIER COLUMNS STRENGTHENED WITH CFRP HOOPS IN ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE

Timber structure is the mainstream method of ancient Chinese architecture. However due to the effect of weathering and long history, it was badly damaged. Therefore, the protective repairing is imminent. The traditional reinforcement method of pier columns strengthened with iron sheet presents unsatisfactory performance in recovering the bearing capacity, and the study on Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) material applying in strengthening pier column is relatively lacking. This paper studied the mechanical properties of 20 timber columns, 17 of which used the CFRP for reinforcement, and one specimen is strengthened with iron sheet. With the maximum bearing capacity of reinforcement columns with CFRP recovering up to 103.22%, the research proves reasonable arrangement of CFRP hoops and suitable strengthening quantity of CFRP could get commendable reinforcement results. Finally, considering the effect of the pier type on the bearing capacity of pier columns, this paper puts forward a more accurate and universal formula compared to Su model, which provides theoretical foundation for restoration projects of ancient architecture.