In the heart of Brazil’s burgeoning timber industry, a groundbreaking study is challenging the status quo and promising to reshape the way we think about glued laminated timber (Glulam). At the forefront of this research is Clara Gaspar Fossi de Souza, a dedicated scientist whose work is shedding new light on the behavior of Glulam under repeated forces, a critical factor for the long-term performance of structures.
Glulam, a versatile and sustainable construction material, has long been a staple in the industry. However, the understanding of its mechanical response under cyclic loading has remained a gap in knowledge—until now. De Souza’s research, published in the journal *Materials Research* (translated from Portuguese), is bridging this gap, providing invaluable insights that could revolutionize the way we design and build with Glulam.
The study focuses on two tropical species, Marupá and Pequiá, which fall within the density range specified by the Brazilian Code NBR 7190-1. Using the industry-standard adhesive RS-216-M from CASCO ®, Hexion, de Souza and her team subjected Glulam pieces to repeated forces, varying the excitation frequency and the number of cycles. The results were revealing.
“We observed a slight decrease in stiffness after repeated forces on the Glulam pieces,” de Souza explains. “The modulus of elasticity in bending, which we took as a reference before applying cyclic forces, showed significant variation when the number of cycles ranged from 1,000 to 691,200, at both frequencies we tested.”
The implications of this research are profound, particularly for the energy sector. As the demand for sustainable and efficient construction materials grows, understanding the long-term performance of Glulam under cyclic loading becomes crucial. This knowledge can inform better design practices, ensuring the longevity and safety of structures, from wind turbines to large-scale commercial buildings.
Moreover, the study found that the glue lines remained intact across different cycle ranges, paving the way for both Marupá and Pequiá to be used confidently in Glulam manufacture. This opens up new possibilities for the timber industry, particularly in regions where these species are abundant.
De Souza’s work is not just about filling a knowledge gap; it’s about shaping the future of construction. By providing a deeper understanding of how Glulam behaves under repeated forces, her research is empowering engineers and architects to push the boundaries of design, creating structures that are not only stronger and more durable but also more sustainable.
As the world increasingly turns to renewable resources, the insights from this study could be a game-changer. “Our findings could lead to more innovative and efficient use of Glulam in various applications,” de Souza says. “This is not just about improving a material; it’s about reimagining what’s possible in construction.”
In the ever-evolving landscape of the construction industry, de Souza’s research stands as a beacon of progress. It’s a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and a reminder that even the most familiar materials can hold untapped potential. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the story of Glulam is far from over, and the chapters yet to be written promise to be as exciting as they are impactful.