Experimental study to assess the impact of different connection types on the fire resistance of composite concrete-topped CLT slabs

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of an experimental study of fire resistance of composite concrete-topped cross-laminated timber (CT-CLT) slabs exposed to fire at their soffit. Six composite CT-CLT slabs and one untopped CLT slab were tested under ISO 834 standard fire exposure while subject to an applied load equal to 20 % of the slab ultimate capacity. Test variables included the type and configuration of shear connection between the topping and CLT. Large bending deflections were observed as the slabs reached their fire resistance. Although the untopped CLT slab exhibited a fire resistance of only 16 min, all CT-CLT exhibited fire resistance greater than 1 h. The improved behavior is attributed to the stiffer CT-CLT behavior. CT-CLT slabs exhibited delamination of the lowermost layer of the CLT following through-layer charring. Observed charring rates were approximately 46 mm/h. Observed charring depths were well-predicted by existing design standard-recommended equations. Importantly, the interface between the concrete topping and CLT remained close to 30 °C and never exceeded 65 °C in any test. This is a promising result for employing adhesive systems to affect composite behavior between the topping and CLT.