ABSTRACT
Composite concrete slab and timber flooring systems are commonly used in many parts of the world to exploit the high strength-to-weight ratio of timber and the good acoustic separation provided by concrete floor slabs. This paper describes the results of an experimental programme that investigated the suitability of a range of connectors to transfer shear between a slab and a laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beam. Surface notches in the LVL beam that are reinforced with coach screws are shown to provide the greatest stiffness and strength, as well as favourable post-peak behaviour. The behaviour of full-scale concrete-LVL composite beams that were tested to failure is also described. The feasibility of using proprietary lightweight concrete panels for the slab, and using straight and draped prestressing tendons is also explored. The best cost-to-benefit ratio is shown to be provided by the plain composite structure where, again, the connection system is the most important aspect of providing good structural performance.
