Experimental and numerical analysis of novel adhesive-free structural floor panels (TTP) manufactured from timber-to-timber joints

The objective of this study is to evaluate the structural behaviour of novel timber-to-timber panels (TTPs), which are free of adhesives or steel connectors, to be used in floors. Experimental bending tests were performed, and deflections and failure loads were obtained, showing a dependence on the separation and height of the connectors. A numerical model was developed to simulate the experimental tests, considering the timber as an orthotrpoic and bi-modulus material and using the Tsai-Hill failure criterion to predict the ultimate failure load. The model was experimentally validated, obtaining relative differences lower than 9.5% and 8.8% for effective stiffness and failure load, respectively. Since the deflection in serviceability limit states defines the design of the TTPs, a simple design method is proposed.