NSM Polyester-Reinforced Albizia chinensis Beams: Flexural Performance Evaluation
1Civil Engineering, Brawijaya University, Indonesia
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
E-mail: anggaramahatma@student.ub.ac.id (AMW)
E-mail: anggaramahatma@student.ub.ac.id (AMW)
Received: February 14, 2025 | Revised: October 08, 2025 | Accepted: November 04, 2025 | Published: December 2025
Abstract
This study investigates the flexural performance of Albizia chinensis wood beams strengthened using Near Surface Mounted (NSM) polyester resin under four-point bending tests. The primary objective is to evaluate the enhancement in flexural behavior due to the addition of NSM polyester reinforcement. Three beam configurations were tested: unreinforced (TO), single-groove reinforced (TPSE), and double-groove reinforced (TPR). The strengthening process involved embedding polyester resin into pre-cut grooves on the beam surface, where the resin served as both adhesive and filler for bonding the reinforcement with the wood substrate. The experimental results demonstrate that beams reinforced with NSM polyester exhibit higher load capacity and improved stiffness. Specifically, the TPR specimen achieved an increase in ultimate load of more than 30% compared to the TO specimen. Furthermore, the use of polyester resin as an infill material in the grooves effectively bonded the reinforcement to the surrounding wood matrix. This not only contributed to improved mechanical performance but also showed promise due to its ease of application and cost-effectiveness. Strain distribution in reinforced specimens suggested a more favorable deformation profile, especially in TPR. Additionally, cyclic testing on reinforced beams revealed enhanced resilience against repeated loading, making the reinforcement system suitable for dynamic conditions. The results were validated using a theoretical flexural strength estimation based on section modulus and characteristic strength of Albizia chinensis wood. The findings further confirm the feasibility of using polyester as an effective shear reinforcement in structural timber applications, especially in low-cost rural construction. The study concludes that NSM polyester reinforcement is effective in improving the flexural performance of Albizia chinensis wood beams and offers a practical alternative for timber strengthening in engineering practice.
Keywords
albizia chinensis; near surface mounted; shear-end; stirrup rebars; timber polymer beam
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