Analysis of the Nonlinear Behavior of Timber-Concrete Connections

This paper discusses the nonlinear mechanical behavior of timber-concrete structures, mainly when dowel-type fasteners are used in the connections. These nonlinear phenomena result from the nonlinear mechanical behavior of the materials and connections. This paper deals with the connection aspect of the nonlinearity and goes on to present and discuss the causes of such phenomena as well as the approaches available to address them. Since these analyses require an adequate definition of the load-slip behavior of the connection, a numerical model is proposed to derive it, based on either results from experimental tests or numerical models. A calculation example is used to assess the influence of the nonlinear phenomena on the design of this type of structure. From the analysis undertaken, it is concluded that the nonlinear mechanical behavior of the connections may have a significant influence on the mechanical behavior of the composite structures. Moreover, the model proposed to describe the load-slip behavior of the connection is shown to be accurate and effective.