Flexural Strengthening of Azobé Hardwood Beams with Externally Bonded CFRP and GFRP Laminates: Experimental Investigation and CNR-DT 201/2005 Assessment.

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites provide an effective strengthening solution for timber members because of their high tensile capacity, low self-weight, corrosion resistance, and practical applicability in rehabilitation works. Although FRP strengthening of timber beams has been widely investigated, most available experimental evidence concerns softwood and glued-laminated systems, whereas comparatively limited data are available for dense tropical hardwoods used in marine and waterfront infrastructure. This study investigates the flexural behavior of Azobé (Lophira alata) hardwood beams strengthened with externally bonded carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates. The main contribution of this work is the application of externally bonded FRP strengthening to Azobé timber members intended for marina pontoon and related waterfront applications, where structural upgrading may be required to accommodate increased service loads. Mechanical characterization of the timber was first conducted through compression and tensile tests. Subsequently, nine beams were tested under three-point bending, including three un-strengthened reference beams, three GFRP-strengthened beams, and three CFRP-strengthened beams. The average ultimate load increased from 26.92 kN for the reference beams to 35.59 kN and 39.85 kN for the GFRP- and CFRP-strengthened beams, respectively. Statistical indicators, including standard deviation, coefficient of variation, standard error, confidence intervals, and two-sample t-tests, were included to account for the limited number of specimens and the natural variability of timber. CFRP exhibited the highest mean response within the present test series; however, the difference between the CFRP- and GFRP-strengthened beams is interpreted as an indicative experimental trend rather than a general statistical conclusion. No visible premature de-bonding was observed, and the strengthened specimens failed mainly by FRP rupture, suggesting bond engagement under the tested configuration. Nevertheless, bond behavior was not directly quantified using strain, slip, or interfacial measurements. The experimental results were also compared with analytical predictions based on the Italian guideline CNR-DT 201/2005 and with a simplified section-level interpretation. Overall, the findings indicate that externally bonded FRP laminates can provide a practical upgrading solution for existing Azobé timber members in marina pontoon and waterfront structures, while larger experimental series and direct bond/strain measurements are required for broader validation.