Bond stress system of composite concrete - timber beams

Composite beams require an adequate connection system. This paper describes composite concrete-timber beams with a bonded connection system employing prestressed steel connectors. The connection is obtained by means of threaded steel bars inserted into the holes of timber and prestressed by a normal force. The connectors are able to transmit bond stresses between the two materials. This type of connection may be considered as rigid in the case of service loads. Experimental tests involving a composite concrete-timber beam and connection specimens were carried out. The test on the composite beam describes the bending behaviour up to failure; the connection specimens are used to evaluate the influence of age oil the behaviour of the bond stress system utilised.