Prediction of the ultimate load-carrying capacity of wooden notched beams with and without reinforcements using a splitting model

The present study proposes a new method to predict the ultimate load bearing capacity of structural notched beams subjected splitting. Reinforced and unreinforced cases are investigated by using FE-model for splitting failure. contribution mode I II in crack extension mechanisms is implemented numerical model considering mixed criterion established on R-curves wood. influences notch reinforcements resulting quasi-brittle behaviour analysed. FE-prediction compared experimental data current design rules Eurocode 5.