Mechanical Performance of Connections for GluBam-Concrete Composite Beams

Selecting composite connections is a crucial factor for researching mechanical performance of GluBam-concrete composite structure (BCC). An initial stage of research on the feasibility of GluBam-concrete composite beams is described. Total three types of composite connector, six specimens in each type, have been conducted direct shear tests on small blocks. The shear-relative slip curves were measured and all the relevant mechanical properties such as slip moduli and shear capacities were calculated. According to the test results, all connectors can be classified into two types, which owned strong and stiff mechanical properties but low ductility, or less strength and stiffness but high ductility. The BCC systems presented own characteristics compared with the outcomes obtained from the TCC system. It was founded that some of connection systems were suitable for constructed GluBam-concrete composite structures. However only qualitative conclusions can be drawn at this stage and the performance of GluBam-concrete composite beams need to be investigated further.