A strengthening technique for timber floors using traditional materials

In this contribution, experimental and numerical analyses for the validation of a strengthening technique for historic timber floors are presented. The proposed method consists in placing reinforcing planks above the existing floor beams and in fixing them with a ‘dry’ connection by means of wooden dowels. The results of push-out tests on the connections and of bending tests on the mechanically jointed ‘T’ beams are presented. Several variables were taken into account in order to characterize the connections, in particular the length and diameter of the dowels and the possible presence of glue and screws to improve the connection. The effect of steel dowels was studied for comparison. The results were analyzed according to the Möhler theory and by means of finite element models. The main execution phases of the strengthening technique, with limits and advantages, are described. A case study of an historic building where this method has been already applied is illustrated.