Recent developments in timber-concrete composite construction

Abstract

Composite members combining the beneficial properties of different building materials become increasingly important in civil engineering. Whereas steel-concrete composite has been an often-applied method in construction practice for many decades, timber-concrete composite (TCC) was a less preferred technology in past. Nowadays, situation is changing because of the obvious advantages that TCC offers in respect of environmental issues. Especially TCC slabs are a recognized construction method, meanwhile. The paper reports the state-of-the-art and recent developments in TCC. Advantages of the application of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) for the construction of the concrete slab are discussed. Furthermore, the construction process for strengthening of existing timber beam ceilings with TCC and application of precast TCC members is reported. An increasing application of TCC in construction practice may be expected because of its lower environmental impact in comparison to other usual floor constructions. This tendency is supported by future normative regulations enabling the easy calculation of mechanical properties of shear connectors.