Reinforcement of timber floors- transversal load distribution on timber-concrete systems

In this paper the transversal load distribution in timber-concrete systems is analysed and discussed. The analysis is based on experimental and numerical results obtained for real scale timber-concrete systems. Two situations are considered: a timber-concrete floor for a multi-storey building with dimensions of 3.39mx3.48m in plan view and a road bridge deck with dimensions of 5mx14m also in plan view. In both situations the systems were designed to the loads required by the European codes. The effect of the transversal load distribution was experimentally assessed by imposing concentrated loads in various locations, eccentric to both transverse and/or longitudinal direction. Additionally, FEM models were developed to describe the mechanical behaviour of the two composite timber-concrete systems. The results obtained with both methodologies are presented and discussed. Based on this discussion conclusions are drawn regarding the amount of transversal distribution that can be expected in this type of reinforcement solution.