Deconstructable connector for TCC floors using self-tapping screws

Timber-concrete composite (TCC) systems are effective solutions for the construction of new structural floors and the rehabilitation of the existing ones. Nevertheless, the subject of design for disassembly of TCC floors is still an area that requires further research and development. In this paper, the concept of a deconstructable connector using self-tapping screws is presented that is aimed to be used for both prefabrication and cast-in-situ construction of TCC floors. On a total of 61 T-section glulam-concrete composite specimens, the shear properties of the deconstructable connector were evaluated and compared to equivalent permanent connectors. The experimental investigation was performed for single and cross-paired screw arrangements with various insertion angles and two different types of screws. A comprehensive failure analysis was performed and the differences between the developed connector and the permanent ones were described. Overall, the deconstructable connector demonstrated a similar shear behavior to the permanent connectors with only marginally smaller strength and stiffness properties and could therefore be used as an environmentally friendly solution for TCC connections.