Timber-concrete hybrid slabs: assessment of a new indicator on sustainability

The use of timber integrated with concrete gives rise to timber-concrete composite (TCC) structures where both profitable mechanical properties and material's strengths are enhanced in a synergic manner. Timber itself provides weight reduction, a push towards sustainability and speeding up of construction time; on the other hand, concrete is characterised by many well-known advantages, as high compressive strength, low cost, and high potential durability. The combination of these two materials creates a composite member where both the two parts protect and strengthen themselves. Moreover, the use of timber-based materials (Cross Laminated Timber, Laminated Veneer Lumber, Glued Laminated timber, etc.) is a solution to lower CO2 emissions. This study suggests a method to evaluate concurrently structural and environmental performances of slabs with direct references to geometrical properties of the sections.