Compressive and flexural behaviour of CFRP-repaired concrete-filled steel tubes after exposure to fire

This paper presents the results of axial compression and bending tests of fire-damaged concrete-filled steel tubes (CFST) repaired using unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Both circular and square specimens were tested to investigate the repair effects of CFRP composites on them. The test results showed that the CFRP jackets enhanced the load-bearing capacity of the stub columns effectively. Enhancement of the columns’ stiffness due to the CFRP jackets was also observed. However, for beams, the test results demonstrated that the repair effect was not as good when compared with that for stub columns. From the test results, it is recommended that other appropriate repair measures should be taken in repairing severely fire-damaged CFST beams, or those members subjected to comparatively large bending moments.     

Further study on the flexural behaviour of concrete-filled steel tubes

This paper is a further study on the flexural behaviour of concrete-filled steel tubes based on the former work presented by Han [Han LH. Flexural behaviour of concrete-filled steel tubes. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 2004;60(2):313-37]. A total of 36 composite beam specimens filled with self-consolidating concrete (SCC) were tested. The main parameters varied in the tests are: (1) sectional types (circular and square); (2) steel yielding strength (from 235 to 282 MPa); (3) the ratio of tube diameter (or width) to wall thickness, D/t (from 47 to 105), and (4) the ratio of shear span to depth (from 1.25 to 6). Comparisons are made with predicted beam capacities using the existing methods, such as AIJ-1997 [Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ). Recommendations for design and construction of concrete filled steel tubular structures. 1997], AISC-LRFD-1999 [AISC. Load and resistance factor design specification for structural steel buildings. Chicago: American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc.; 1999], BS5400-1979 [British Standard Institute: BS5400, Part 5, Concrete and composite bridges. 1979], EC4-1994 [Eurocode 4. Design of composite steel and concrete structures, Part 1.1: General rules and rules for buildings (together with United Kingdom National Application Document). DD ENV 1994-1-1:1994. London W1A2BS: British Standards Institution; 1994] and the method proposed by Han [Han LH. Flexural behaviour of concrete-filled steel tubes. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 2004;60(2):313-37].Applied calculation formulae of moment versus curvature curves and the flexural stiffness of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) beams are presented, based on the mechanics model of Han [Han LH. Flexural behaviour of concrete-filled steel tubes. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 2004;60(2):313-37]. Comparisons are made with predicted beam flexural stiffness using different methods, such as AIJ-1997, AISC-LRFD-1999, BS5400-1979, EC4-1994 and the method proposed in this paper. Comparisons are also made between the simplified model and the mechanics model, and generally good agreement is achieved.     

Cyclic performance of repaired concrete-filled steel tubular columns after exposure to fire

This paper provides new test data of cyclic behavior of repaired concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns after exposure to fire, the fire-damaged CFST columns being strengthened by wrapping the original columns by concrete and a thin-walled steel tube. The test parameters included the cross-section type (circular, square and rectangular), and the axial load level (0, 0.3, 0.6). It was found that all the test specimens behaved in a ductile manner and testing proceeded in a smooth and controlled way. Based on the experiment measurements, the ultimate lateral strength, flexural stiffness, dissipated energy and ductility of the columns are analyzed and compared. The test results indicate that the ultimate lateral strength and flexural stiffness of concrete-filled hollow structural columns decrease after exposure to fire, however, the ductility of the columns was not adversely affected due to the fire exposure. The test results also indicate that the strength and stiffness of the fire-damaged columns can be restored over the original level of the specimens.     

Experimental behaviour of thin-walled hollow structural steel (HSS) columns filled with self-consolidating concrete (SCC)

In modern building construction, thin-walled hollow structural steel (HSS) sections are often filled with concrete to form a composite column. In recent years, the use of self-consolidating concrete (SCC), or self-compacting concrete, in such kinds of columns has been of interest to many structural engineers. Due to its rheological properties, the disadvantage of vibration can be eliminated while still obtaining good consolidation. Apart from reliability and constructability, advantages such as elimination of noise in processing plants, and the reduction of construction time and labor cost can be achieved. It is expected that SCC will be used in concrete-filled HSS columns in the future because of its good performance. However, the composite members are susceptible to the influence of concrete compaction. The lack of information on the behavior of HSS columns filled with SCC indicates a need for further research in this area.The present study is an attempt to study the possibility of using thin-walled HSS columns filled with SCC. New test data on 38 HSS columns filled with SCC to investigate the influence of concrete compaction methods on the member capacities of the composite columns are reported. The specimen tests allowed for the different conditions likely to arise in the manufacture of concrete: cured, well compacted with a poker vibrator, well compacted by hand, and self-consolidating without any vibration. The main parameters varied in the tests are: (1) column section type, circular and square; (2) tube diameter (or depth) to thickness ratio, from 33 to 67; and (3) load eccentricity ratio (e/r), from 0 to 0.3 mm. Comparisons are made with predicted column strengths using the existing codes such as AISC-LRFD-1999, AIJ-1997, BS5400-1979, EC4-1994, DL5085/T-1999 and GJB4142-2000.     

Tests and calculations for hollow structural steel (HSS) stub columns filled with self-consolidating concrete (SCC)

The behaviour of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) filled hollow structural steel (HSS) stub columns subjected to an axial load was investigated experimentally. A total of 50 specimens were tested. The main parameters varied in the tests are: (1) sectional types: circular and square; (2) steel yielding strength: from 282 to 404 MPa; and (3) tube diameter or width to wall thickness ratio (D/t or B/t): from 30 to 134.A mechanics model is developed in this paper for concrete-filled HSS stub columns. A unified theory is described whereby a confinement factor (ξ) is introduced to describe the composite action of the steel tube and the filled concrete. The predicted load versus deformation relationship was in good agreement with test results. The theoretical model was used to investigate the influence of important parameters that determine the ultimate strength of the composite columns. The parametric and experimental studies provide information for the development of formulae for the calculation of the ultimate strength and the axial load versus axial strain curves of the composite columns. Comparisons are made with predicted stub column strengths using the existing codes, such as ACI-1999, AISC-LRFD-1999, AIJ-1997, BS5400-1979 and EC4-1994.     

Performance and calculations of concrete filled steel tubes (CFST) under axial tension

This paper reports the behavior of concrete filled steel tubes (CFST) under axial tension. A total of 18 specimens were tested. The main parameters were steel ratio, concrete type and bond or unbonded between the steel tube and its core concrete. A finite element model (FEM) was developed to perform mechanism analysis and parametric studies for CFST under axial tension. It was found that the tensile strength of steel tube can be increased due to the existence of the core concrete in CFST. Finally, a simplified formula that can predict the tensile strength was proposed.     

Fire behaviour of concrete filled elliptical steel columns

In this work, a non-linear three-dimensional finite element model is presented in order to study the behaviour of axially loaded concrete filled elliptical hollow section (CFEHS) columns exposed to fire. This study builds on previous work carried out by the authors on concrete filled circular hollow section (CFCHS) columns both at room temperature and in fire. The numerical model is first validated at room temperature against a series of experiments on CFEHS stub columns available in the literature and subsequently extended to study the performance of slender columns at elevated temperatures. The aim of this work is to understand and represent the behaviour of axially loaded CFEHS columns in fire situations and to compare their effectiveness with that of the circular concrete filled tubular (CFT) columns. Parametric studies to explore the influence of variation in global member slenderness, load level, cross-section slenderness and section size are presented. Finally, guidance on the fire design of CFEHS columns is proposed: it is recommended to follow the guidelines of Clause 4.3.5.1 in EN 1994-1-2, but employing the flexural stiffness reduction coefficients established in the French National Annex with an equivalent EHS diameter equal to P/π, where P is the perimeter of the ellipse.     

Experimental behaviour of cold-formed steel welded tube filled with concrete made of crushed crystallized slag subjected to eccentric load

This paper presents results of tests conducted on thin welded rectangular steel stubs filled with concrete that gravel was substituted by 10 mm crushed crystallized slag stone. The studied section was made of two cold steel plates with U shape and welded with electric arc to form a steel box section. The cross-section dimensions were: 100×70×2 mm³. the main studied parameters were the stub height (200, 300, 400, 500 mm), the effect of the in filled concrete, the continued weld and the eccentric force. The tests were carried out 28 days after the date of casting. A total of 20 stubs were tested in a 50 tf machine up to failure, 4 stubs subjected to axial load compression and 16 stubs subjected to eccentric load compression along the minor and major rigidity axis. The aim of the study is to provide some evidences that the use of crushed slag could be integrated in the manufacturing of non-conventional concrete. All failure loads were predicted by using the Euro code 4 and the design method proposed by Z. Vrcelj and B. Uy. From test results, it was confirmed that the length of stubs and the eccentric load had a drastic effect on the load carrying capacity. The failure mode of composite stubs was a local buckling mode with all steel sides deformed outwards. The Euro code 4 loads predictions were generally in good agreement compared with experimental loads and on safe side. The loads results of design method proposed by Vrcelj and B. Uy were generally on safe side compared with experimental load except the columns subject to eccentric load with 400 mm and 500 mm height.     

Concrete filled steel tube stub columns under combined temperature and loading

A finite element analysis (FEA) model was developed to predict the load versus deformation relationships of concrete filled steel tube (CFST) stub columns subjected to a combination of temperature and axial compression. This model was used to simulate a set of CFST stub column experiments under various thermal and mechanical loading conditions, including tests at high temperature, tests on the residual strength of specimens subjected to uniform heating, and tests on specimens exposed to the ISO-834 standard fire without initial loads. Comparisons between the predicted results and the test results show that this model can predict the load versus deformation relationships with reasonable accuracy. The FEA model was then used to investigate the behaviour of CFST stub columns in a complete loading history including initial loading, heating and cooling by examing the cross-sectional stress distribution and confinement stress development at different loading phases. All specimens were loaded to ultimate strength after cooling and the residual stress index was studied with respect to a group of parameters. It can be found that the ultimate strength when considering the mutual actions of temperature and loading was slightly lower than that after exposure to fire without initial load, but the peak strain corresponding to the ultimate strength was increased significantly.     

Behaviour of concrete-filled steel tubular stub columns subjected to axially local compression

The behaviour of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) stub columns subjected to axially local compression was experimentally investigated in this paper. A total of thirty-two specimens were tested. The main parameters varied in the tests are: (1) sectional types: circular and square; (2) local compression area ratio (concrete cross-sectional area to local compression area): 1.44 and 16; and (3) thickness of the endplate: from 2 to 12 mm. A finite element analysis modelling was used for the analysis of CFST stub columns subjected to axially local compression, and a comparison of results calculated using this modelling shows generally good agreement with the test results. The theoretical modelling was then used to investigate the mechanism of the composite columns subjected to axially local compression.     

Experimental behaviour of high performance concrete-filled steel tubular columns

In recent years, the utilization of high performance concrete has been the interests of the structural engineers and researchers. As a high performance concrete, self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is a highly flowable concrete that can fill formwork without any mechanical vibration. SCC's unique property gives it significant economic, constructability and engineering advantages. The aim of this paper is thus an attempt to study the possibility of using thin-walled hollow structural steel (HSS) columns filled with very high strength SCC. Tests on 28 HSS columns filled with very high strength SCC were conducted, where the main parameters varied are: (1) section types, circular and square; (2) slenderness ratio, from 12 to 120; and (3) load eccentricity ratio, from 0 to 0.6. Comparisons are made with predicted column strengths using the existing codes such as AISC, EC4 and DBJ13-51-2003.     

Experimental behaviour of concrete filled thin walled steel tubes with tab stiffeners

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the structural behaviour of concrete filled, thin walled, steel tubular stub column with tab stiffeners. The stiffening was attained by welding together four pieces of lipped angle, whereupon two parts of the lips were notched and folded vertically in order to form the tab stiffeners. The effects of the tab stiffeners on the bond and compressive strengths were investigated experimentally using 18 and 10 specimens respectively. It was observed that the tab stiffener does enhance both the bond strength and the axial load capacity of the concrete filled thin walled steel tubular stub column tested.     

Cyclic behaviours of concrete-filled steel tubular columns with pre-load after exposure to fire

This paper reports experimental results of cyclic behaviours of eight concrete-filled steel tubular (CFT) columns after exposure to fire under sustained axial load. The specimens were heated by a stackable electrical furnace and blowing liquefied petroleum gas fire into the furnace simultaneously in order to simulate the real fire attack. The furnace heating can be controlled easily and safely in such a hybrid heating method using gas and electricity that the average temperature in the furnace followed as closely as possible the ISO-834 standard fire curve. After the CFT columns had been axially loaded and heated for a specified duration of time, the specimens were cooled down to room temperature according to the ISO-834 fire standard while the axial load was kept constant. Finally, the columns were subjected to lateral cyclic loading under constant axial load. The sustained pre-load led to significant residual deformations of CFT columns during the cooling phase. Two columns were found to have suffered local buckling of steel tube and three columns have suffered steel weld rupture during the fire exposure. Therefore, it is recommended that more than two vent holes or vent holes with larger diameter should be used in a CFT column and engineers should pay much attention to reasonable selection and construction of steel sections. Compared with the fire-damaged columns without pre-load and that at room temperature, the post-fire ductility and energy absorption capacity of CFT with pre-load had no obvious deterioration and the axial load level had no obvious influence on the residual strength of fire-damaged CFT. The experimental results can provide a basis for fire-damage assessment of CFT columns.     

CFRP修复火灾后混凝土填充钢管的抗压和弯曲性能

对单向CFRP修复火灾后混凝土填充钢管的轴心抗压和弯曲进行试验。试验采用圆形和方形两种试件来研究修复效果,试验结果显示CFRP加固有效提高了损伤柱的承载力。同时,由于CFRP的约束,柱的刚度也有提高。然而,对于梁来讲,试验结果显示修复效果没有柱的修复效果好,从试验结果来看,对于受到火灾严重损伤的混凝土填充钢管梁或承受较大弯矩的构件,建议采用其他合适的修复方法。     

Residual strength of concrete-filled RHS columns after exposure to the ISO-834 standard fire

The residual strength of a composite column may be used to assess the potential damage caused by fire and help to establish an approach to calculate the structural fire protection for minimum post-fire repair. The behavior of six rectangular hollow structural steel (RHS) columns filled with concrete, with or without fire protection, after exposure to the ISO-834 standard fire (ISO 834, 1975), subjected to axial or eccentric loads have been experimentally investigated and the results presented in this paper. Comparisons are made with predicted column strengths using the existing codes such as LRFD-AISC-1994, AIJ-1997, EC4-1996 and GJB4142-2000. It was found, in general, that the loss of the strength of the specimens without protections was significantly greater than that of columns with fire protection. A mechanics model is developed in this paper for concrete-filled RHS columns after exposure to the ISO-834 Standard Fire (ISO 834, 1975), and is a development of the analysis used for ambient condition (Han et al., 2001). The predicted load versus mid-span deflection relationship for the composite columns is in good agreement with test results. Based on the theoretical model, influence of the changing strength of the materials, fire duration time, sectional dimensions, steel ratio, load eccentricity ratio, depth-to-width ratio and slenderness ratio on the residual strength index (RSI) is discussed. It was found that, in general, the slenderness ratio, sectional dimensions and the fire duration time have a significant influence on the residual strength index (RSI). However, the steel ratio, the depth-to-width ratio, the load eccentricity ratio and the strength of the materials have a moderate influence on RSI. Finally, formulas suitable for incorporation into a building code, for the calculation of the residual strength of the concrete-filled RHS columns after exposure to ISO-834 standard fire is developed based on the parametric analysis results.     

火灾作用后圆钢管混凝土柱荷载-位移滞回性能研究

火灾作用后,钢管混凝土柱的强度和刚度均会遭受损失,需进一步考察其抗震能力。本文介绍了7个火灾后圆钢管混凝土试件滞回性能试验研究,采用数值方法对荷载位移滞回关系曲线进行全过程分析,计算分析了轴压比、长细比、含钢率、钢材屈服极限、混凝土抗压强度、受火时间等参数对荷载位移关系骨架线的影响。研究结果表明,火灾作用后圆钢管混凝土柱滞回关系曲线形状饱满,无明显的捏缩现象,但试件的极限承载力和弹性刚度会有所降低。本文的研究成果可为火灾后该类结构的抗震修复加固提供参考。     

Cyclic performance of concrete-filled steel CHS columns under flexural loading

Concrete-filled steel CHS (circular hollow section) columns are currently being increasingly used in the construction of buildings. Limited information is available on the models for the moment (M) versus curvature (?) response, and the lateral load (P) versus lateral displacement (Δ) relationship of these columns subjected to axial load and cyclically increasing flexural loading.Eight concrete-filled steel CHS specimens were tested under constant axial load and cyclically increasing flexural loading. The parameters in the study included the concrete strength (f_cu) and the axial load level (n). A mechanics model is developed in this paper for concrete-filled steel CHS columns subjected to constant axial load and cyclically increasing flexural loading. The predicted cyclic responses for the composite columns are in good agreement with test results.Based on the theoretical model, parametric analysis was performed on the behaviours of the moment (M) versus curvature (?) response, and the lateral load (P) versus lateral displacement (Δ) relationship, as well as the ductility coefficient (μ) for the composite columns. Finally, simplified models for the moment (M) versus curvature (?) response, and the lateral load (P) versus lateral displacement (Δ) relationship are suggested. A formula for the calculation of the ductility coefficient (μ) of the composite columns under constant axial load and cyclically increasing flexural loading is developed.     

Experimental behaviour of recycled aggregate concrete filled steel tubular columns

This paper describes a series of tests on steel tubular columns of circular and square section filled with normal concrete and recycled aggregate concrete. Thirty specimens, including 24 recycled aggregate concrete filled steel tubular (RACFST) columns and 6 normal concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) columns, were tested to investigate the influence of variations in the tube shape, circular or square, concrete type, normal concrete and recycled aggregate concrete, and load eccentricity ratio, from 0 to 0.53 on the performance of such composite columns. The test results show that both types of filled columns failed due to overall buckling. Comparisons are made with predicted ultimate strengths of RACFST columns using the existing codes, such as ACI 318-1999, AIJ-1997, AISC-LRFD-1999, BS5400-1979, DBJ13-51-2003 and EC4-1994. A theoretical model for normal CFST columns is adopted in this paper for RACFST columns. The predicted load versus deformation relationships are in good agreement with test results.     

Effects of sustained axial load and cooling phase on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete stub columns

In this paper is presented an experimental investigation of the effects of preload and cooling phase on the residual strength, stiffness and ductility of reinforced concrete stub columns which were heated and cooled down to room temperature under sustained axial load. Reinforced concrete stub columns were axially loaded and heated to designed temperatures in a specially built electrical furnace. After the specimens cooled down to ambient temperature with the axial loads kept constant, the stub columns were loaded to failure. The sustained preload led to significant residual deformations of reinforced concrete stub columns during the cooling phase. The test results showed that the mechanical behaviour of the fire-damaged reinforced concrete stub columns with preload was remarkably different from those without preload. The sustained axial loads resulted in obviously increased strength and stiffness during the loading phase, but reduced stiffness and deteriorated ductility in the unloading phase. Based on the test results, it is recommended that the effects of sustained axial loads during the fire and cooling phase should be taken into consideration in assessing the fire-damaged reinforced concrete columns.     

Experimental and numerical investigation of cold-formed lean duplex stainless steel flexural members

Experimental and numerical investigation of cold-formed lean duplex stainless steel flexural members is presented in this paper. The test specimens were cold-rolled from flat plates of lean duplex stainless steel with the nominal 0.2% proof stress of 450 MPa. Specimens of square and rectangular hollow sections subjected to both major and minor axes bending were tested. A finite element model has been created and verified against the test results using the material properties obtained from coupon tests. It is shown that the model can accurately predict the behaviour of lean duplex stainless steel flexural members. An extensive parametric study was carried out using the verified finite element model. The test and numerical results as well as the available data on lean duplex beams are compared with design strengths predicted by various existing design rules, such as the American Specification, Australian/New Zealand Standard, European Code and direct strength method for cold-formed stainless steel. Reliability analysis was performed to evaluate the reliability of the design rules. It is shown that these current design rules provide conservative predictions to the design strengths of lean duplex stainless steel flexural members. In this study, modified design rules on the American Specification, Australian/New Zealand Standard, European Code and direct strength method are proposed, which are shown to improve the accuracy of these design rules in a reliable manner.