The development of wide-span structures occurs high reaction forces at the bearings. The load-bearing capacity is strongly limited, because of the low compression strength and stiffness of wood perpendicular to the grain. One common possibility of strengthening the support is the application of self-tapping screws. Subject of the presented research project is the study of a new, practicable and quite easy to manage type of reinforcement for load transfer areas. To increase the load carrying capacity drill holes and block shaped areas filled with polymer concrete are inserted into the timber. Due to the rigid bond between wood and polymer concrete as well as a geometrical adaption to the stress distribution, it is possible to increase the load carrying capacity and the compressive stiffness significantly compared to conventional reinforcement by self-tapping screws.
First inchoate versions of bearing reinforcement have been designed and used very successfully as part of another research project to increase the bending capacity of glulam beams by hybrid material composites.