Numerical analysis of the load-bearing capacity of LVL beams reinforced with steel plates

Laminated veneer lumber is a relatively new engineering wood product. The number of its applications is increasing. For this reason, it is worth knowing how to reinforce laminated veneer lumber elements, if necessary. Reinforcement may be used at the production stage to increase the load-bearing capacity. This paper investigates the effect of steel plate reinforcement on the performance of laminated veneer lumber beams. Using steel plates increased both the load-bearing capacity and the stiffness of the laminated veneer lumber beams. Different reinforcement lengths were analysed, and it was demonstrated that a 2400 mm plate provided equivalent load-bearing capacity and stiffness to a reinforcing plate extending the full length of the LVL beam.