Experimental analysis of different anchorage solutions for laminated carbon fiber-reinforced polymers adhesively bonded to timber

The Externally Bonded Reinforcement (EBR) of timber structures with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) is a solution that has been increasing. Like CFRP strengthened concrete structures, it is known that the premature debonding of the CFRP also occurs on timber structures. To study other alternative solutions to the EBR technique, the Near Surface Mounted (NSM) and six other situations with an additional anchorage were considered. A total of 33 single-lap shear tests were carried out. The experimentally obtained load-slip responses, the strains developed in the CFRP strips or the local bond-slip relationships are all reported and discussed. Compared to the EBR technique, the efficiency of each anchorage system and/or bonding technique is also analysed. The current preliminary results suggest that using two superposed metallic L-shape profiles or embedding the CFRP strip into the timber substrate are the best anchorage systems for the reinforcement of a timber structure with CFRP strips. The NSM technique has also led to high load capacities of the CFRP-to-timber interface.