Study of concrete–timber composite beams using an analytical approach based on the principle of virtual work and experimental results

Composite structures have been used in construction as an alternative to conventional structures, providing reduced costs, environmental benefits and maintaining structural safety. The mechanical performance of a composite structure depends, in general, on the efficiency of the connection. A composite interface is designed to transmit shear longitudinal forces at the interface between the two materials along the length of the structure and, at the same time, to prevent vertical detachment. This study contributes to the analysis of the mechanical behavior of concrete–timber composite beams with an emphasis on determining the vertical displacements by solving a set of analytical equations that describe the equilibrium system, using a finite element program and, in special, the principle of virtual work. The latter approach was developed based on the theory of structures to address to systems of composite beams. The proposed formulation is self-consistent, and the results agree well with the experimental data from tested beams.

► We analyze a concrete–timber composite beam determining the vertical displacement.
► We use a two-dimensional finite element approach and the principle of virtual work.
► Continuous connectors are chosen to simulate the rigidity of the beam elements.
► The connector rigidity values have important in the fitting of the model.
► The used formulation is consistent and the results agree with the experimental data.