Cross-laminated timber (CLT) used as flat slabs in combination with linear members such as glulam can form composite ribbed floor systems suitable for long-span floor applications. The flexural performance of such CLT-glulam composite floors is heavily governed by the effectiveness of the connection system between the CLT panels and glulam beams.
Self-tapping screws (STSs) are among the most widely used connection techniques in timber engineering due to their ease of installation, versatility in geometric arrangement, and suitability for prefabrication. When installed at an angle to the shear plane, STSs can achieve a high slip modulus, enabling greater composite action and improving both the strength and stiffness of the floor system (Tomasi et al. 2010). However, their failure mode is typically brittle, with limited capacity to sustain large deformations.
This study introduces a novel hybrid connector that combines STSs with embedded steel tubes to enhance shear resistance, improve composite action, and increase ductility. Four different connection configurations—including inclined and vertical STSs, and hybrid systems with steel tubes—were evaluated using push-out shear tests.
Keywords: Cross-laminated timber, glulam, self-tapping screws, push-out tests
Authors
Sigong Zhang
School of Engineering, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
Xiaoyue Zhang
School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, China
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