Experimental vs numerical analysis of collar connectors for composite timber-concrete floors

The paper deals with the numerical simulation of experimental tests carried out on an innovative connection system for composite timber-concrete floors. It consists of steel collars which are located astride the timber beam, providing the connection function thanks to the steel stud welded at the superior part of the collar. The transmission of the shear force from the r.c. slab to the timber beam is assured by friction. Two cases have been analysed: the system with steel collars directly in contact with the timber beam and the system with a rubber layer interposed between the timber beam and the steel collars. The paper firstly shows the results of the experimental push out tests and then, the numerical simulations, aiming at characterizing the systems in terms of friction coefficient, strength and initial stiffness.