On the Mechanical Behaviour of Innovative Moment Connections between Composite Floor Panels and Glulam Columns

Abstract

ABSTRACT This experimental study investigates the response of six innovative moment connections between composite floor panels and glulam columns. Each composite panel consists of five glulam beams and ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete cladding. The dimensions of the individual elements of the floor panels and the columns are fixed. The present study focuses on: (i) the experimental investigation (strength and stiffness) of each type of connection, and (ii) the numerical investigation of the connection stiffness capable of reducing the deflection of the middle span. The design criteria of each connection from beam to columns must consider the maximum loading conditions (axial load N, shear load Q, bending moment M) and conform to the design limits. The experimental setup, connection configurations, and material properties are introduced, followed by a detailed account of the test results and observations. According to the results, the innovative connections with fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) bonded rebars (carbon or glass) can reduce the deflection of the floor panel by 45% compared with common bolted connections.