Push-out tests on adhesively bonded perfobond shear connectors for timber-concrete composite beams

In this paper, perforated shear connectors (perfobond), used extensively in steel-concrete composite (SCC) beams, are implemented in timber-concrete composite beams (TCC) and experimentally investigated. In contrast to its original use, the perfobond connector is connected with an adhesive to the timber beam while welded in the SCC solution. On the concrete slab side, connection is achieved using the original concept, a combination of dowel action with bearing between concrete and connector. In this paper the mechanical behaviour of the shear connection using the perfobond connector in TCC beams is investigated by means of push-out tests. Concrete type, concrete strength and surface roughness of the connecter were the testing variables. The results are compared with the common shear connections for TCC in terms of strength, stiffness and ultimate slip. From this work, it can be concluded that perfobond connections give promising strength and stiffness results, however, for the geometries covered in the experimental program, the ultimate slip is limited. Nevertheless, the high stiffness and load capacity presented by this connection demonstrates a significant potential for its implementation in TCC, as high composite action can be achieved.