The Effect of Environment on Timber-concrete Composite Bridge Deck

In the field of timber bridges progressive static structural solution is if the timber bearing members of the bridge deck are combined with concrete layer applying a shear connection to receive their composite action. The composite timber-concrete bridge deck comparing to the standard timber bridge deck has a higher rigidity, is more resistant to dynamic effects and has protected wooden part from external mechanical actions. The behavior of timber-concrete bridge deck is significantly influenced by the conditions of surrounding environment. In the presented paper, results of theoretical and experimental investigation of the effect of temperature and humidity changes of environment on the timber-concrete composite bridge deck will be presented. The applied analytical calculation model developed for analysis of long term behavior of timber-concrete elements influenced by the environment temperature and humidity will be introduced. In the experimental program, timber-concrete members with different timber structural parts and various composite connections under short and long term loading were investigated. The environmental conditions, temperature and humidity, during the 5 year long test were continually registered. Comparison of theoretical and experimental results and some practical conclusions for design of timber-concrete bridge deck will be finally presented.