Nonlinear analysis of concrete-filled square stainless steel stub columns under axial compression

Concrete-filled stainless steel tubes (CFSST) can be considered as a new and innovative kind of composite construction technique, and have the potential to be used extensively in civil engineering. This paper employs a nonlinear analysis of square CFSST stub columns under axial compression. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model is developed using ABAQUS, where nonlinear material behaviour, enhanced strength corner properties of steel, and initial geometric imperfections are included. Close agreement is achieved between the test and FE results in terms of load-deformation response and ultimate strength. In light of the numerical results, the behaviour of stainless steel composite columns is compared with that of carbon steel composite columns. A simple model is proposed to calculate the ultimate strength of square CFSST stub columns.     

Analytical behaviour of concrete-filled double skin steel tubular (CFDST) stub columns

This paper reports a finite element analysis of the compressive behaviour of CFDST stub columns with SHS (square hollow section) or CHS (circular hollow section) outer tube and CHS inner tube. A set of test data reported by different researchers were used to verify the FE modelling. Typical curves of average stress versus longitudinal strain, stress distributions of concrete, interaction of concrete and steel tubes, as well as effects of hollow ratio on the behaviour of CFDST stub columns, were presented. The influences of important parameters that determine sectional capacities of the composite columns were investigated.     

带环向脱空缺陷的钢管混凝土构件在压弯扭复合#br# 受力作用下的滞回性能研究

为研究环向脱空缺陷对钢管混凝土试件在压弯扭复合受力作用下抗震性能的影响,进行了12个钢管混凝土试件（包括8个带缺陷试件、2个无脱空试件以及2个空钢管对比试件）在恒定轴压力和反复弯扭耦合荷载作用下的滞回性能试验。试验主要参数为：脱空率、弯扭比和轴压比。基于试验结果考察了带脱空缺陷的钢管混凝土试件在压弯扭复合受力作用下的破坏模态,并分析了脱空对试件滞回曲线、骨架曲线、刚度和耗能等力学指标的影响规律,结果表明：环向脱空缺陷的存在会改变钢管混凝土构件的破坏模态,并使试件的承载力、刚度和耗能能力有不同程度的降低。同时,建立钢管混凝土压弯扭构件的有限元模型,分析环向脱空对构件承载力系数,以及钢管与核心混凝土接触时刻的影响规律,在此基础上提出相关工程建议。     

Experimental behaviour of stiffened concrete-filled thin-walled hollow steel structural (HSS) stub columns

Test results on concrete-filled steel tubular stub columns with inner or outer welded longitudinal stiffeners under axial compression are presented in this paper. The research was mainly focused on square hollow section (SHS) columns; two rectangular hollow section (RHS) columns were also tested. A longitudinal stiffener was provided on each side of the stiffened SHS column, while only two stiffeners were welded to the longer sides of the stiffened RHS column. The main experimental parameters considered were the height-to-thickness ratio and stiffener rigidity. In addition, empty tubes with or without stiffeners, as well as unstiffened concrete-filled steel tubes were also tested for comparison. Requirements for stiffener rigidity are developed by modifying a formula presented in the literature. Existing theoretical model and design codes were used to predict the load versus axial strain relationships and load-carrying capacities of the adequately stiffened composite sections respectively; reasonable results were achieved.     

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.     

Behaviour of concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) stub columns under eccentric partial compression

This paper investigates the behaviour of concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) stub columns subjected to eccentric partial compression. Twenty-eight specimens were tested and presented. The main parameters in test program include: (1) section type: circular, square and rectangular; (2) load eccentricity ratio (including uniaxial and biaxial loading): from 0 to 0.4; and (3) shape of the loading bearing plate (BP): circular, square, strip and rectangular. The test results indicated that, similar to the corresponding fully loaded CFST stub columns under eccentric loading, CFST stub columns under eccentric partial compression have generally reasonable bearing capacity and favorable ductility. A finite element analysis (FEA) model for CFST stub columns under eccentric partial compression is developed and the predicted performances are validated through measured results. The FEA model is then used to investigate the mechanisms of such composite columns further.     

Shear strength and behavior of tubed reinforced and steel reinforced concrete (TRC and TSRC) short columns

Tubed RC and SRC short columns are special kinds of concrete filled tubular columns but the steel tube does not pass through the beam–column connection and is shorter than concrete core. In areas that suffered earthquakes, the short columns are vulnerable to brittle shear failure. TRC and TSRC short columns are widely used in bridges, high-rise buildings and large factories. So it is important to investigate the behaviors and approaches to improve the ductility of these kind of columns. The aim of this study is to develop a nonlinear finite element model (FEM) for TRC and TSRC short columns and to compare the results with those experimentally captured. Depending on the FEM results, the elastic–plastic method was used to analyze the stress status of the steel tube. A modified ACI design method is adopted to calculate the nominal shear strength of TRC and TSRC short columns based on the FEM and analysis results.     

Analytical investigation of response modification (behaviour) factor,R, for reinforced concrete frames rehabilitated by steel chevron bracing

Steel bracing of reinforced concrete (RC) frames has received noticeable attention in recent years as a retrofitting measure to increase the shear capacity of the existing RC buildings. In order to evaluate the seismic behaviour of steel-braced RC frames, some key response parameters, including the ductility and the overstrength factors, should first be determined. These two parameters are incorporated in structural design through a force reduction or a response modification factor. In this paper, the ductility and the overstrength factors as well as the response modification factor (or seismic behaviour factor) for steel chevron-braced RC frames have been evaluated by performing inelastic pushover analyses of brace-frame systems of different heights and configurations. The effects of some parameters influencing the value of behaviour factor, including the height of the frame and share of bracing system from the applied lateral load have been investigated. It is found that the latter parameter has a more localised effect on the R values and its influence does not warrant generalisation at this stage. However, the height of this type of lateral load-resisting system has a profound effect on the R factor, as it directly affects the ductility capacity of the dual system. Finally, based on the findings presented in the article, tentative R values have been proposed for steel chevron-braced moment-resisting RC frame dual systems for different ductility demands and compared with different type of bracing systems.     

Hysteretic behavior and design of square tubed reinforced and steel reinforced concrete (STRC and/or STSRC) short columns

The square tubed reinforced and steel reinforced concrete (STRC and STSRC) short columns are ordinary RC and/or SRC short columns where most of the lateral reinforcement is in the form of thin-walled steel tubes. In this study, six specimens of STRC and STSRC short columns were experimentally tested under constant axial compression and cyclic lateral load to investigate the seismic performance of both kinds of structure. The main parameters were the axial load ratio and status of longitudinal reinforcement. Nonlinear 3D finite element model was developed to simulate the monotonic behavior and strength of tested specimens. The behavior and strength of extra assumed specimens were predicted using the developed FEM model. Depending on the test and analysis results, a design formula was proposed to predict the shear strength of STRC and/or STSRC short columns.