Finite element modelling of concrete-filled lean duplex stainless steel tubular stub columns

This paper presents a finite element (FE) study on concrete-filled lean duplex slender stainless steel tubular (CFDSST) stub columns of square and L-, T-, and +-shape (Non-Rectangular Sections or NRSs) sections under pure axial compression. The effect of cross-sectional shape and concrete compressive strength, by considering equal steel consumption (i.e. equal cross-sectional area) for all the square and NRSs sections have been reported. In CFDSST stub columns, the axial deformation (δ _u ) at ultimate load (P _u ) decreases with increasing concrete strengths, but increases as the sections changes from Square→L→T→+-shape. For normal concrete strength (≤40 MPa), NRSs appear to have similar or slightly enhanced P _u , in comparison with the representaive square section. But in the case of a high strength concrete core (i.e. >40 MPa), NRSs are clearly at a disadvantage as far as the values of P _u is concerned, however as the NRSs are lighter by 37%, they still offer an attractive option for the designers. The FE strengths over predicts the EN 1994-1-1 (2004) specification by about an average of 21, 19, 14, and 4% for the square, L, T, and +-shape sections, respectively.