Calculation model to assess the structural behavior of LVL-concrete composite members with ductile notched connection

This paper presents an analytical model of timber-concrete composite slabs made of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) with notched connection. Timber-concrete composite slabs could be used as alternative to timber slabs or conventional reinforced concrete slabs and represent an interesting solution due to ecologic, economic and structural advantages. The use of LVL products guarantees for controllable and homogeneous properties of the timber part of the composite member and allows taking advantage of the high mechanical properties of hardwood (e.g. beech). The advantages of the notch as timber-concrete connection system are its high stiffness and the possibility to achieve a ductile compressive failure of timber. The presented analytical model is based on simple equilibrium formulations and allows the development of a ductile and reliable design procedure based on notch yielding. Because of the difference between the material properties of LVL and concrete, local LVL deformations within the notches may compromise the shear-carrying mechanism in concrete, leading to premature failure of the composite member. This problem can be solved by installing vertical reinforcement. The model has been validated by means of full scale bending tests on timber-concrete composite members made of beech LVL plates.