Evaluation of Steel – timber composite floor mechanical behavior.

Abstract

Cross‐Laminated Timber (CLT) is a massive timber construction solution that has gained significant attention in recent years due to its ability to provide high‐performance, self‐supporting floor systems with rapid installation and a reduced environmental footprint. The mechanical behavior of CLT floors can be further enhanced when combined with steel elements. This paper investigates two hybrid steel–CLT floor configurations: one in which the CLT panel is positioned above the steel profile, and another in which the CLT floor is inserted between the flanges of steel profiles. In both configurations, the steel–CLT connection is achieved through bolted joints, enabling dismantling at the end of service life and potential reuse of the structural components. Experimental three‐point bending tests up to failure were conducted on the hybrid floors as well as on the individual components. The results demonstrate that the steel–CLT hybridization significantly improves the mechanical performance of both configurations, particularly in terms of initial stiffness and ultimate load capacity, compared to a steel beam alone. These findings provide a basis for the development of analytical and numerical models to predict and optimize the mechanical behavior of steel–CLT hybrid floor systems through parametric studies.