BEHAVIOUR OF PERFOBOND CONNECTIONS IN TIMBER-CONCRETE COMPOSITES

Adhesively bonded plates, acting as shear connectors, in timber-concrete composites (TCC) are gaining popularity due to their high strength and stiffness. Such mechanical performance behaviour is targeted with the use of timber as a construction material for long span solutions. In this work, perfobond connectors, commonly used in steel- concrete composites (SCC) have been experimentally investigated both at the connection and beam level. The test results are then used to validate finite element models and, subsequently, to optimize the behaviour of these connectors. The study has identified the properties necessary for a strong, stiff and a ductile perfobond plate.