Medium Scale Experimental Investigation of Bending for Thin-walled Veneer Beams with Foam Filling

The purpose of this research is to examine the innovative concept of veneer-foam beams in bending. The beam consists of two very thin veneer sheets with open cross-section with polyurethane foam filling for extension of stiffness and shape stabilization. A series of medium scale preliminary experimental investigations have been done in the Water Centre of Warsaw University of Life Sciences. Simply supported beams of the length 60 cm and 80 cm with concentrated load were considered. The results are promising for future analysis of veneer-foam elements as secondary beams for glulam grillages. (paper)