Experimental investigation of a prefabricated timber-concrete composite floor structure: Notched-slab approach

This study presents the experimental performance of a high ductility and energy dissipation capacity connector named notched-slab fastener, which is developed for timber-concrete composite floor structures. Notched-slab fastener is unique because the notch was left in the concrete slab instead of a timber beam for the first time. In this way, cross-section loss in the timber beam is prevented. This is one of the most important benefits of the proposed connector. Experimental performance of the purposed connector was investigated with two test methods: push-out test and bending test. For comparison purposes, a notched fastener was also produced and tested as reference sample. Test results showed that notched-slab fastener has stable load carrying behavior under push-out loading with high-energy dissipation and no sudden strength degradation. In addition, notched slab design provided moment arm to the fastener and the damage is concentrated in the connector instead of concrete.