Comparison among normal and rubberized concrete for timber-concrete composite (TCC) floors: Push-out tests with inclined screws in multiple configurations

This study explores the comparative performance of ordinary concrete (OC) and rubberized concrete (RuC) in timber-concrete composite (TCC) floors, focusing on push-out tests with screws placed at various inclination angles. Timber-concrete composites are effective solutions for enhancing the stiffness and strength of floor systems, particularly for retrofitting existing structures. The introduction of RuC, incorporating crumb rubber from recycled tires, aims to improve sustainability by reducing natural aggregate usage while maintaining structural performance. Experimental tests were conducted on 56 asymmetrical push-out specimens, varying both the type of concrete and the inclination angles of the screws used for the connections. The results revealed that while RuC generally exhibits lower stiffness and shear strength, it provides greater ductility and maintains acceptable performance in specific configurations, such as those with inclined or crossed screws. ANOVA analyses suggested that the type of concrete alone does not significantly influence the outcome while the inclination angle is a major determinant. Additionally, the interaction effect is significant, so the influence of inclination angle is different depending on the concrete type. These findings suggest that RuC can be a viable material for sustainable construction, provided specific performance criteria are met.