GFRP connectors for thin topping timber-concrete composites

摘要

Thin concrete toppings can be applied to existing timber floors to form a composite, thereby improving the floor's serviceability performance. Critical to the success of the upgrade is the effectiveness of the shear connectors which transfer forces between the timber floor and topping. This paper presents the results of pushout testing of a novel glass fibre reinforced polymer plate connector which demonstrate that the connectors have greater strength and stiffness compared to self-tapping screws.