Literature review of timber-concrete composite beams

Timber-concrete composite (TCC) beam represents a type of structural member that combines an existing or a new-built timber beam with a concrete slab by shear connectors. By connecting a concrete slab onto the top of the timber beam, not only the load-carrying capacity and stiffness of the timber beam are significantly enhanced, but also the fire resistance, acoustic and vibration performance of the timber beam are improved effectively. The history and the latest development of TCC beams are introduced, and a systematic review and summary of the results of related research achievements are presented in this paper. Both the results of short-term failure tests and long-term tests for TCC beams and shear connectors are introduced in detail. In addition, the existing calculation theories for TCC beams are analyzed and discussed. Through the review, it is found that there have been many experimental studies on TCC beams and shear connections. However, there is still a lack of systematic research on dowel-type and notched connectors, which are most commonly used in practical applications, and the mechanical mechanism of composite beams under both short-term and long-term loading conditions needs to be further clarified. In addition, it is necessary to accelerate the research on the calculation theories of TCC beams to meet the design requirements. © 2019, Editorial Office of Journal of Building Structures. All right reserved.