Investigation on the structural behaviour of timber concrete composite connections

A project exploring innovative structural systems that utilise timber and provide a competitive alternative to steel and concrete products commenced at the University of Technology, Sydney, in 2007. It aims to identify and develop at least three flooring/framing concepts suitable for initial application in a two-/three-storey commercial building in Australia. In this context, a timber concrete composite (TCC) represents a competitive solution. An important aspect of TCC structures corresponds to the shear connectors, which are essential for TCC structural behaviour. Thus, they need to provide sufficient strength and impair slip between TCC layers. A laboratory investigation on these connectors is discussed in this paper. The scope and research plan are presented and the connection strength and stiffness are analysed and commented