Experimental study of timber and concrete composite facade connected through bonding under thermal gradients

The harmonious integration of wood and concrete in facade elements represents a breakthrough in construction, offering a synergistic combination of their respective properties. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the building industry emphasises the need to develop structures that include more wood. In addition to being a structural component, wood also increases the thermal insulation of the walls. The bonding between two materials not only guarantees resistance to environmental and mechanical stresses but also minimises the risk of premature deterioration, although it may have several disadvantages. This method must be studied, particularly for wood–concrete facades. The analysis of the mechanical response to thermal loads is an essential aspect in the design of glued wood–concrete facades. When a facade is subjected to thermal loading with a difference in temperature between internal and external walls, its constituent materials, such as wood and concrete, may react differently owing to their different coefficients of thermal expansion; these materials can expand or contract at distinct rates in response to a temperature change. This dimensional variation can result in a stress concentration at the interface, which can affect the bond quality. This paper presents in detail the experimental results of wood–concrete facade panels to understand the thermal responses and expansions induced by a thermal gradient applied to facade panels. The study also involved targeted heating of concrete and cooling of wood to create a controlled thermal gradient. The results were analysed in terms of temperature variations observed on the facade surface as well as thermal expansion measurements taken on both the wood and concrete sections. These observations revealed the distinct behaviours of the two materials in response to thermal variations, underlining the importance of judicious design to ensure the stability and durability of composite façade panels. • Wood–concrete facades. • Glued wood–concrete facades. • Difference in temperature between internal and external walls. • Stress concentration at the interface. • Thermal gradient applied to facade panels.