Structural performance of timber–concrete composite (TCC) beam
Project Description
The global construction industry is undergoing a major transformation driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. Timber structures can lower carbon emissions by approximately 14% over their lifecycle compared to those made from steel and concrete. Timber–concrete composite (TCC) floor systems, which combine the tensile strength of timber with the compressive strength of concrete, offer significant advantages for sustainable modern construction. These include improved structural performance, longer span capacity, and enhanced sound insulation and fire resistance compared with pure timber floors. This project focuses on a TCC beam featuring innovative notched shear connections. Its structural performance (e.g., bending stiffness, strength, and failure modes) will be investigated through laboratory experiments. In addition, distributed optical fiber sensors will be embedded into the beam to provide continuous strain monitoring, enabling real-time assessment of structural behavior under loading. This project provides hands-on experimental experience while contributing to sustainable and smart construction technologies.
Quota
2
Course type
UROP1100
UROP2100
UROP3100
UROP3200
Applicant's Roles
In this project, students will:
• Participate in the fabrication of TCC beam specimens with notched connections.
• Conduct structural experiments to evaluate the bending behavior, load-carrying capacity, and failure mechanisms of the beams.
• Install and utilize distributed optical fiber sensors to monitor strain distribution during loading.
• Analyze the experimental results and interpret the structural response of the beams.
• Work closely with postgraduate researchers to refine testing methods and propose improvements for future TCC systems.
• Participate in the fabrication of TCC beam specimens with notched connections.
• Conduct structural experiments to evaluate the bending behavior, load-carrying capacity, and failure mechanisms of the beams.
• Install and utilize distributed optical fiber sensors to monitor strain distribution during loading.
• Analyze the experimental results and interpret the structural response of the beams.
• Work closely with postgraduate researchers to refine testing methods and propose improvements for future TCC systems.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
• Gain hands-on experience in the fabrication and experimental testing of large-scale structural components.
• Learn to apply and interpret distributed optical fiber sensing for strain measurement.
• Develop practical skills in structural instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Enhance teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through collaboration with peers and graduate researchers.
• Learn to apply and interpret distributed optical fiber sensing for strain measurement.
• Develop practical skills in structural instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Enhance teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through collaboration with peers and graduate researchers.
Complexity of the project
Moderate