Experimental and Nonlinear Analytical Studies on Prefabricated Timber–Concrete Composite Structures with Crossed Inclined Coach Screw Connections

Abstract

In this study, shearing tests on connections and bending tests on prefabricated timber–concrete composite (PTCC) beams were performed to evaluate the feasibility of using crossed inclined coach screw connections for PTCC structures. For comparison, tests on traditional timber–concrete composite (TCC) structures using this connection type were also conducted. The test results showed that crossed inclined coach screw connections exhibited improved shear and ductility properties. The investigated PTCC and TCC beams shared similar flexural properties and showed nonlinear bending performance owing to the nonlinear slip behavior of the connections. Hence, on the basis of the reduced rigidity method, a nonlinear semianalytical model considering the nonlinear slip behavior of the connection for the composite beams was developed. The analytical results showed that the interfacial frictional force acting during the tests significantly influenced the prediction of the slip and deflection of the composite beams.