Experimental study of the behavior of composite timber columns confined with hollow rectangular steel sections under compression

There are separate merits and demerits to wood and steel. The combination of wood and steel as a compound section is able to improve the properties of both and ultimately increase their final bearing capacity. The composite cross-section made of steel and wood has higher hardness while showing more ductility and the local buckling of steel is delayed or completely prevented. The purpose of this study is to investigate the behavior of composite columns enclosed in wooden logs and the hollow sections of steel that will be examined in a laboratory environment under the axial load to determine the final bearing capacity and sample deformation. In terms of methodology, steel sheet and carbon fiber reinforced polymer sheet (FRP) are tested to construct hollow rectangular sections and reinforce timber. Besides, the method of connecting hollow sections and timber including glue and screw has been also investigated. As a result, timber lumber enclosed with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer sheets in which fibers are horizontally located at 90º are more resistant with better ductility.