THE EFFECT OF AN INTERLAYER ON DOWELLED CONNECTIONS IN TIMBER LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE COMPOSITE SYSTEMS

Abstract

The use of lightweight concrete (LWC) with timber structures is an efficient solution for renovation and, with current high strength LWC, it is also an option for new constructions. In this paper, dowelled connections for timber concrete composite systems are experimentally investigated. Often, when renovating an existing building and implementing a composite solution, but also in new constructions, wood based panels are used between the concrete layer and timber beams. In the current literature it is known that the interlayer causes reduction in strength and stiffness. In this work, the effect of an interlayer and the improvement of the connection using an adhesive are experimentally investigated with the use of lightweight concrete. In addition to these two parameters, two different fasteners, screws and ribbed rods, are also considered. This work indicates that, with the use of an adhesive, the negative effect of an interlayer can be mitigated.