Stiffness of dowel-type fasteners in timber-concrete joints

The mechanical behaviour of timber-concrete structures is significantly influenced by the stiffness of the joints, both with regard to deformations and to strength. This paper analyses the experimental and numerical assessment of the stiffness of timber-concrete joints, made with dowel-type fasteners. The objective of this analysis is to provide information to be used in the design of timber-concrete composite structures. In order to achieve this, two approaches were used: experimental tests with timber-concrete joints and numerical predictions using models available in the literature. As part of the experimental assessment, shear tests were performed with various joint configurations aiming to be representative of a wide range of practical conditions. The results obtained are presented and discussed. In terms of numerical assessment, two types of models were considered: analytical models, based on the beam on elastic foundation and empirical models. The results obtained in the experimental tests are compared with those obtained from the design models. Based on that analysis the accuracy of the numerical predictions is discussed.