Timber-Concrete Composite Structural Elements

Timber-concrete composites are interesting engineered wood products usually used for structural elements, which are mainly subjected to bending load; from simple floor systems to long-span bridges. This way, the advantage can be taken of timber tensile strength and concrete compression strength. The chapter begins with an introduction of various types of timber-concrete composite structural elements regarding type of the element, connection type and types of timber and concrete. Next, specific characteristics and advantages of timber-concrete composite structural elements are thoroughly discussed from viewpoints of engineering, architecture, builders and ecology. Furthermore, basic mechanical principles of timber-concrete composite structural elements are presented and some design methods are briefly described. Finally, worldwide inclusion of timber-concrete composite structures in currently applicable standards is discussed.