Numerical investigation of the structural performance of timber concrete composite structure

Abstract Purpose– Coastal people of the USA, Japan, Bangladesh, etc., face sustainable housing solutions against coastal hazards like hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, tsunamis, etc., for their safe human life and wealth. Most of them build their houses using locally available timber materials, which cannot resist these wind-producing forces. Timber concrete composite (TCC) structures could be the sustainable solution for this issue. Methods– This research investigates the structural performance of the TCC push-out test made with locally available timbers (Garjan/Gamari) and low-strength brick aggregate concrete. The push-out test represents the practical performance of timber-concrete composite beam slab elements in composite structures. A numerical model was developed using ANSYS finite element (FE) software to simulate the timber-concrete push-out test accurately. This model considered nonlinear material behavior, interface conditions, and complex geometries to capture the structural responses realistically. Results– The failure load obtained from the analysis closely satisfies the experimental failure load carried out by another researcher and the CUET laboratory. Moreover, a calibrated version of the numerical model based on experimental data achieved a high degree of agreement with load-slip relationships. The failure load and slip increased with the increased strength of concrete. The failure load for Garjan timber was higher than that of Gamari timber. Specimens with 6 rebar shear connectors exhibited a greater failure load than those with only 2. Conclusion– This research intentions to improve the understanding of the behavior of timber-concrete composite structures and provide valuable insights for optimizing their design and performance. The TCC housing system is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and a novel solution for housing for moderate to low-income coastal people. TCC structures are able to provide necessary rehabilitation for the coastal people of the world.