Discussion on the Current Engineering Application Status and Development Path of Timber–concrete Composite Beams

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Abstract

Timber–concrete composite beams combine timber and concrete through mechanical or bonded shear connections, enabling the two materials to work together in resisting structural actions. This review discusses the current engineering application status, structural advantages, experimental research progress and development path of timber–concrete composite beams, with particular attention to the role of shear connectors. The manuscript summarises reported applications of timber–concrete composite systems in recent building projects and describes their potential benefits, including improved stiffness, enhanced load-bearing performance, lower self-weight than conventional concrete members and more effective use of the complementary properties of timber and concrete. The review also outlines research on long-term deformation, creep, shrinkage, fire resistance and seismic performance, indicating that these factors remain important for serviceability and safety. Existing studies on dowel-type connectors, embedded steel plate connectors and tenon-screw connectors are discussed to clarify their mechanical characteristics, advantages and limitations. The review indicates that the connector system is a key factor controlling composite action, interface slip, stiffness, bearing capacity, ductility and failure mode. Although timber–concrete composite beams show promise for low-carbon and industrialised construction, their wider application remains limited by insufficient design guidance, limited quantitative comparison among connector types and incomplete understanding of long-term and multi-hazard performance. Further research should focus on reliable connector design, long-term performance prediction, life-cycle assessment and practical design methods suitable for engineering application.

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