Abstract

Timber-concrete composites are interesting engineered wood products usually used for structural elements, which are mainly subjected to bending load; from simple floor systems to long-span bridges. This way, the advantage can be taken of timber tensile strength and concrete compression strength. The chapter begins with an introduction of various types of timber-concrete composite structural elements regarding type of the element, connection type and types of timber and concrete. Next, specific characteristics and advantages of timber-concrete composite structural elements are thoroughly discussed from viewpoints of engineering, architecture, builders and ecology. Furthermore, basic mechanical principles of timber-concrete composite structural elements are presented and some design methods are briefly described. Finally, worldwide inclusion of timber-concrete composite structures in currently applicable standards is discussed.

Highlights

  • Timber-concrete composite (TCC) structural elements are usually horizontal elements, which carry the load in one direction subjected to uniaxial bending

  • While in Europe TCC elements were firstly used as floor systems only, TCC bridges of short and medium span were developed in 1930s in America, as a result of shortage of steel for concrete reinforcement

  • Timber part of TCC cross-section can be made from massive timber or engineered wood products such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), cross-laminated timber (CLT), glued laminated timber (Glulam)

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Summary

Introduction

Timber-concrete composite (TCC) structural elements are usually horizontal elements, which carry the load in one direction (so called one-way spanning elements) subjected to uniaxial bending. While in Europe TCC elements were firstly used as floor systems only, TCC bridges of short and medium span were developed in 1930s in America, as a result of shortage of steel for concrete reinforcement. TCC structural elements are getting more and more popular worldwide. They are used both in restoration and renovation of existing, often historical structures as well as for new buildings and bridges. Various types of TCC floor systems are presented and described regarding type of the element and connection type, as well as types of timber and concrete. Specific characteristics and advantages of TCC structural elements in comparison with fully concrete or fully timber floor systems are thoroughly discussed from viewpoints of engineering, architecture, construction process and ecology. The chapter concludes with discussion on worldwide inclusion of TCC structures in currently applicable standards

Variety of designs
Materials
Timber-concrete connection
Characteristics of TCC structural elements
Strength, stiffness and ductility
Sound insulation and vibrations
Fire conditions
Ecology aspect
Mechanical principles
Currently available simplified design methods
Recommendations for construction workers
Inclusion of TCC structural elements in standards around the world
Conclusions
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