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Connections for composite concrete slab and LVL flooring systems

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Abstract

Composite concrete slab and timber flooring systems are commonly used in many parts of the world to exploit the high strength-to-weight ratio of timber and the good acoustic separation provided by concrete floor slabs. This paper describes the results of an experimental programme that investigated the suitability of a range of connectors to transfer shear between a concrete slab and a laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beam. Shear tests on reduced scale specimens were performed with the aim of comparing the strength, stiffness, and post-peak performance of different connectors such as round and rectangular concrete plugs with and without screw and steel pipe reinforcement, proprietary (SFS) screws, coach screws with different diameters, sheet brace anchors, and framing brackets. The rectangular concrete plug reinforced with a coach screw was found to provide the greatest stiffness and strength, as well as favourable post-peak behaviour. Such a system can be used for cost-effective composite floor systems due to its efficient cost-to-capacity ratio, which reduces the number of connectors needed along the beam axis to achieve the composite action.

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Acknowledgements

The technical support and financial contribution provided by Carter Holt Harvey is gratefully acknowledged, with a special thanks to Mr. Hank Bier for the personal interest showed during the whole project. Particular thanks are also due to Ms. Eva Seibold for the experimental work and results presented in this paper. The indirect support provided by the New Zealand Earthquake Commission (EQC) for the first author is also gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand

    Bruce L. Deam

  2. Department of Architecture and Planning, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sassari, Palazzo del Pou Salit, Piazza Duomo 6, 07041, Alghero, Italy

    Massimo Fragiacomo

  3. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand

    Andrew H. Buchanan

Authors
  1. Bruce L. Deam
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  2. Massimo Fragiacomo
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  3. Andrew H. Buchanan
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Correspondence to Massimo Fragiacomo.

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Deam, B.L., Fragiacomo, M. & Buchanan, A.H. Connections for composite concrete slab and LVL flooring systems. Mater Struct 41, 495–507 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-007-9261-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-007-9261-x

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