Investigation of notched composite wood-concrete connections

An initial stage of research on the feasibility of a composite concrete-wood commercial floors system is described. The floors are comprised of concrete placed atop a solid layer of dimension lumber. A notched shear key/anchor detail is used for interlayer connection. This connection detail transfers interlayer force by bearing adjacent materials in the notch. The anchor serves to tighten the layers after curing of the concrete. Initial testing included pull-out tests on the anchor and interlayer slip tests to define the geometry of the connection detail. Test results indicated the structural merit of the connection concept compared to the use of ordinary mechanical connectors.