Advancements in Timber–Steel Hybridisation: A Review on Techniques, Applications, and Structural Performances

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version

Version of Record (VoR)

Author(s)
Abdulmalik, Abdulaziz
Gilbert, Benoit P
Guan, Hong
Ngo, Tuan
Remennikov, Alex
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2025
Size
File type(s)
Location
Abstract

Timber–steel hybridisation offers a balanced approach by capitalising on the high strength-to-weight ratio and sustainability of the timber while also benefiting from the high stiffness and ductility of the steel, contributing to the improved performance of hybrid structural elements. This paper reviews key aspects of timber–steel hybridisation, with a particular emphasis on the connection methods between timber and steel, including adhesive bonding and mechanical fastening, as well as the different types of reinforcement configurations. In particular, this review covers two main types of adhesives used in timber–steel hybrid systems, namely, epoxy and polyurethane, and two primary types of mechanical fasteners, namely, bolts and screws. The mechanical performances of all hybridisation methods are reviewed. The importance of surface treatments, such as shot blasting for steel and mechanical abrasion for timber, is also discussed as a key factor in optimising adhesive bonds. Furthermore, various reinforcement configurations, including top, bottom, side, and embedded arrangements, are evaluated for their impact on the structural efficiency and fire performance. To support this evaluation, calculations have been carried out to illustrate how different reinforcement configurations influence the stress distribution in timber–steel hybrid beams. By providing detailed insights into these critical aspects, this paper serves as a valuable decision-making tool, offering guidance for researchers and industry professionals for selecting the appropriate bonding techniques and configurations to meet specific structural objectives and advance sustainable construction practices.

Journal Title

Buildings

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

15

Issue

13

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Architecture

Building

Civil engineering

Persistent link to this record
Citation

Abdulmalik, A; Gilbert, BP; Guan, H; Ngo, T; Remennikov, A, Advancements in Timber–Steel Hybridisation: A Review on Techniques, Applications, and Structural Performances, Buildings, 15 (13), pp. 2252

Collections