Abstract: Modeling and simulation of natural cracks and its propagation for glulam beams in numerical method frame work have been studied in this thesis. The aim of this study was to find out the influence of formed cracks on the Glulam beam load-carrying capacity. The simulation has been developed with the finite element calculation software ABAQUS. First the simple simulations were compared with previous available experimental results to achieve calibrated simulation model. Then simulation of long glulam with different natural cracks has been done based on calibration. This project has been focused on fracture mechanics and its effects on shear and bending capacity of the cracked glulam beam used in practical application by extended finite element method.

Glued laminated timber beams are load-bearing members for construction systems, e.g. bridges, building, posts, etc. Typically, cracks caused by climatic changes can be formed on glulam beams and can have effects on load bearing capacity of the structures. The aim of this thesis is to be able to model and analyze the effects of these cracks on load capacity of glulam beam.