Timber-steel Hybrid Construction For Modern Multi-storey Building

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels show great potential for use in an innovative construction technique for multi-storey buildings. Utilised as floor slabs, the panels can be combined with beams within a steel-frame, replacing the precast or poured-in-situ concrete conventionally used in composite construction. Using timber in place of concrete results in a superstructure that has reduced column sizes and is significantly lighter, meaning foundations can be smaller and simpler than the equivalent concrete-floored structure. This combination has characteristics that allow it to exploit the environmental benefits of Design-for-Deconstruction, meaning reuse of all superstructure elements is plausible - something not currently possible with traditional composite steel frames. Development of composite action between the steel beam and timber slab is critical in creating a viable and competitive construction system. This project will investigate practical methods of creating a suitable shear connection at the interface of the slab and beam.