Fem based engineering approach to assess the bearing strength of GLT members with holes and notches

Abstract

In recent years, engineered timber construction has grown rapidly, with complex geometries now being erected. Advances in simulation technologies have enhanced our understanding of wood's mechanical behavior. However, this progress is not fully reflected in building codes, creating a gap for practitioners. This paper addresses how commercial finite element (FE) software bridges this gap, particularly for glued laminated timber (GLT) members featuring holes and notches, which are not covered by Eurocode 5 (EC5). Our approach uses 2D-FE elements and linear elastic orthotropic material properties to model GLT members with holes and notches. This enables the identification of stress singularities. These calculations serve as the basis for applying linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). We demonstrate that potential energy release rates G<inf>I</inf> and G<inf>II</inf> at stress singularities can be calculated using a single linear elastic 2D-FE model. Using a fracture criterion, we predict crack initiation at specific load levels. Validation using experimental data from the literature shows that our approach accurately predicts the maximum loads observed in these tests.