Axial Bearing Capacity of Short FRP Confined Concrete-filled Steel Tubular Columns

The bearing capacity of FRP confined concrete-filled steel tubular （FRP-CFST） columns under axial compression was investigated. This new type of composite column is a concrete-filled steel tube （CFST） confined with fiber-reinforced polymer （FRP） wraps. Totally 11 short column specimens were tested to failure under axial compression. The influences of the type and quantity of FRP, the thickness of steel tube and the concrete strength were studied. It was found that the bearing capacity of short FRP-CFST column was much higher than that of comparable CFST column. Furthermore, the formulas for calculating the bearing capacity of the FRP-CFST columns are proposed. The analytical calculated results agree well with the experimental results.

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH AND NONLINEAR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS ON NEW TYPE JOINT BETWEEN COLUMN AND STEEL BEAM OF CONCRETE-FILLED RECTANGULAR STEEL TUBULAR

Experimental results of new type joints between the column and the. steel beam of concrete-filled rectangular steel tubular （CFRT） under reversed cyclic loads are presented. The earthquake resistant capacity of the joint is influenced by infilled concrete, stiffener length and relative dimensions of column and beam. It is found that the hysteresis curves obtained in the experiment are full and the joints have a good energy dissipation capacity. The nonlinear finite element models are also used to analyze the hysteresis behavior of the joints under reversed cyclic loads using ANSYS 8.0. The influences of the stiffener length and the infilled concrete are analyzed. Analytical results show that the stiffener length and the infilled concrete are critical for the joints. Furthermore, the skeleton curves of the finite element models are in good agreement with those of experiments.

Seismic Behavior of Diaphragm-Through Connections of Concrete-Filled Square Steel Tubular Columns and H-Shaped Steel Beams

Based on the introductions of a type of diaphragm-through connection between concrete-filled square steel tubular columns (CFSSTCs) and H-shaped steel beams,a finite element model of the connection is developed and used to investigate the seismic behavior of the connection.The results of the finite element model are validated by a set of cyclic loading tests.The cyclic loading tests and the finite element analyses indicate that the failure mode of the suggested connections is plastic hinge at the beam with inelastic rotation angle exceeding 0.04 rad.The suggested connections have sufficient strength,plastic deformation and energy dissipation capacity to be used in composite moment frames as beam-to-column rigid connections.

Behavior of concrete and concrete-filled circular steel tubular stub columns at constant high temperatures

Based on reanalyzing test results of uniaxial compressive behavior of concrete at constant high temperatures in China, with the compressive cube strength of concrete from 20 to 80 MPa, unified formulas for uniaxial compressive strength, elastic modulus, strain at peak uniaxial compression and mathematical expression for unaxial compressive stress-strain relations for the concrete at constant high temperatures were studied. Furthermore, the axial stress-axial strain relations between laterally confined concrete under axial compression and multiaxial stress-strain relations for steel at constant high temperatures were studied. Finally, based on continuum mechanics, the mechanics model for concentric cylinders of circular steel tube with concrete core of entire section loaded at constant high temperatures was established. Applying elasto-plastic analysis method, a FORTRAN program was developed, and the concrete-filled circular steel tubular （CFST） stub colunms at constant high temperatures were analyzed. The analysis results are in agreement with the experiment ones from references.

Cyclic behavior of stiffened joints between concrete-filled steel tubular column and steel beam with narrow outer diaphragm and partial joint penetration welds

This paper presented an investigation on a stiffened joint in practical engineering which was between concrete-filled steel tubular column and steel beam with narrow outer diaphragm and partial joint penetration welds. Through the low-frequency cyclic loading test, the cyclic behavior and failure mode of the specimen were investigated. The results of the test indicated the failure mode and bearing capacity of the specimen which were influenced by the axial compression ratio of the concrete-filled tubular column. On the contrary, the inner diaphragm and inner stiffeners had limited impacts on the hysteretic behavior of the joint. There was no hysteresis damage fracture on the narrow outer diaphragm connected to the concrete-filled steel tubular column with partial joint penetration welds. Due to the excellent ductility and energy dissipating capacity, the proposed joint could be applied to the seismic design of high-rise buildings in highly intensive seismic region, but axial compression ratio should be controlled to avoid unfavorable failure modes.

Influence of Axial Load Ratio on Shear Behavior of Through-Diaphragm Connections of Concrete-Filled Square Steel Tubular Columns

Nonlinear finite element analysis and parametric studies were carried out to study the influence of axial load ratio on the shear behavior of the through-diaphragm connections of concrete-filled square steel tubular columns. The analysis reveals that smaller axial load ratio can improve the shear bearing capacity and ductility while larger axial load ratio will decrease the shear behavior of the through-diaphragm connections. The parametric studies indicate that the axial load ratio should be limited to less than 0.4 and its influence should be considered in the analysis and design of such connections.

Numerical and experimental study on seismic behavior of concrete-filled T-section steel tubular columns and steel beam planar frames

The seismic behavior of planar frames with concrete-filled T-section columns to steel beam was experimentally and numerically studied. A finite element analysis （FEA） model was developed to investigate the engineering properties of the planar frames. Two 1：2.5 reduced-scale specimens of T-section concrete-filled steel tubular column and steel beam of single-story and single-bay plane frames were designed and fabricated based on the design principles of strong-column, weak-beam and stronger-joint. One three-dimensional entity model of the investigated frame structure was built using a large-scale nonlinear finite-element analysis software ABAQUS. Experimental results show that the axial compression ratio has no effect on the failure mode of the structure, while with the increase of axial compression ratio and the dissipated energy ability increasing, the structural ductility decreased. The results from both experiments and simulations agree with each other, which verifies the validity and accuracy of the developed finite element model. Furthermore, the developed finite element model helps to reflect the detailed stress status of the investigated frame at different time and different positions.

Low cyclic fatigue performance of concrete-filled steel tube columns

Eight concrete-filled steel tubular(CFT) columns were tested subjected to cyclic loading under constant axial load. Experimental parameters included axial compression ratio, loading sequences, and strength of concrete and steel. The seismic performance of CFT columns and failure modes were analyzed. The test results show that different axial load ratios and loading sequences have effects on the load carrying capacity, ductility and energy dissipation capacity of CFT columns, as well as the failure modes of the CFT columns. The failure pattern can be categorized into two types: local buckling failure of steel tube in compression zone, and low cycle fatigue tearing rupture failure of steel tube. The seismic behavior was evaluated through the energy index obtained from each cycle.

Seismic performance of recycled concrete-filled square steel tube columns

An experimental study on the seismic performance of recycled concrete-filled square steel tube （RCFST） columns is carried out. Six specimens were designed and tested under constant axial compression and cyclic lateral loading. Two parameters, replacement percentage of recycled coarse aggregate （RCA） and axial compression level, were considered in the test. Based on the experimental data, the hysteretic loops, skeleton curves, ductility, energy dissipation capacity and stiffness degradation of RCFST columns were analyzed. The test results indicate that the failure modes of RCFST columns are the local buckling of the steel tube at the bottom of the columns, and the hysteretic loops are full and their shapes are similar to normal CFST columns. Furthermore, the ductility coefficient of all specimens are close to 3.0, and the equivalent viscous damping coefficient corresponding to the ultimate lateral load ranges from 0.323 to 0.360, which demonstrates that RCFST columns exhibit remarkable seismic performance.

Axial Compression Behavior and Analytical Method of L-Shaped Column Composed of Concrete-Filled Square Steel Tubes

Based on the characteristics of an L-shaped column composed of concrete-filled square steel tubes, the axial compression experiment and nonlinear finite element analysis were carried out to study the mechanical property of the L-shaped column. The load-displacement curve for the L-shaped column, the deflection and load-strain curves for the mono columns were obtained by the axial compression experiment. The results show that the L-shaped column exhibits a flexural-torsional buckling failure mode. The numerical simulation by the finite element analysis shows that the bearing capacity and failure mode are in accordance with those of the axial compression experiment and the feasi- bility of the finite element analysis is proved. For the calculation of the bearing capacity of the L-shaped column com- posed of concrete-filled square steel tubes, an analytical method is proposed based on the theory of the elastic stability and spatial truss model. The results of the analytical method are in good agreement with those of the axial compression experiment and the finite element analysis.

In-Plane Creep Buckling of Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Arches

The creep-induced deformation of the arch rib of concrete-filled steel tubular （CFST） arches under a sustained load can increase the bending moment, which may lead to earlier stability failure called creep buckling. To investigate the influences of concrete creep on the buckling strength of arches, a theoretical analysis for the creep buckling of CFST circular arches under distributed radial load is performed. The simplified Arutyunyan-Maslov （AM） creep law is used to model the creep behavior of concrete core, and the creep integral operator is introduced. The analytical solutions of the time-dependent buckling strength under the sustained load are achieved and compared with the existing formula based on the age-adjusted effective modulus method （AEMM）. Then the solutions are used to determine the influences of the steel ratio and the first loading age on the creep buckling of CFST arches. The results show that the analytical solutions are of good accuracy and applicability. For CFST arches, the steel ratio and the first loading age have significant influences on creep buckling. An approximate log-linear relationship between the decreased degrees of the creep buckling strength and the first loading age is found. For the commonly used parameters, the maximum loss of the buckling strength induced bv concrete creen is close to 40%

Progressive Collapse Analysis of Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Frames with Semi-rigid Connections

A 9-story concrete-filled steel tubular frame model is used to analyze the response of joints due to sudden column loss. Three different models are developed and compared to study the efficiency and feasibility of simulation, which include substructure model, beam element model and solid element model. The comparison results show that the substructure model has a satisfying capability, calculation efficiency and accuracy to predict the concerned joints as well as the overall framework. Based on the substructure model and a kind of semi-rigid connection for concretefilled square hollow section steel column proposed in this paper, the nonlinear dynamic analyses are conducted by the alternate path method. It is found that the removal of the ground inner column brings high-level joint moments and comparatively low-level axial tension forces. The initial stiffness and transmitted ultimate moment of the semi-rigid connection are the main factors that influence the frame behavior, and their lower limit should be guaranteed to resist collapse. Reduced ultimate moment results in drastic displacement and axial force development, which may bring progressive collapse. The higher initial stiffness ensures that the structure has a stronger capacity to resist progressive collapse.

Ductility and Ultimate Capacity of Concrete-Filled Lattice Rectangular Steel Tube Columns

A kind of concrete-filled lattice rectangular steel tube(CFLRST)column was put forward.The numerical simulation was modeled to analyze the mechanical characteristic of CFLRST column.By comparing the load-deformation curves from the test results,the rationality and reliability of the finite element model has been confirmed,moreover,the change of the section stiffness and stress in the forcing process and the ultimate bearing capacity of the column were analyzed.Based on the model,the comparison of ultimate bearing capacity and ductility between CFLRST column and reinforced concrete(RC)column were also analyzed.The results of the finite element analysis show that the loading process of CFLRST column consists of elastic stage,yield stage and failure stage.The failure modes are mainly strength failure and failure of elastoplastic instability.CFLRST column has higher bearing capacities in comparison with reinforced concrete columns with the same steel ratio.In addition,the stiffness degeneration of CFLRST column is slower than RC column and CFLRST column has good ductility.

Dynamic Response of RPC-Filled Steel Tubular Columns with High Load Carrying Capacity Under Axial Impact Loading

Experimental investigation into impact-resistant behavior of reactive powder concrete (RPC)-filled steel tubular columns was conducted,and dynamic response of the columns under axial impact loading was studied by means of numerical simulation method.Increase coefficient of load carrying capacity and ratio of load carrying capacity between steel tube and RPC core of col-umns were obtained.

Seismic behavior of steel tubular bridge columns equipped with low-yield-point steel plates in the root replaceable pier

To enable rapid recovery of a steel bridge column after an earthquake,a novel tubular-section steel bridge column equipped with low-yield-point(LYP)steel tubular plates in the root replaceable pier is proposed.For the purpose of discussing the seismic behavior of the novel steel bridge column,quasi-static tests and finite element simulation analyses of the specimens were carried out.The effects of parameters such as the axial compression ratio,eccentricity,and thickness and material strength of the tubular plate in the energy-dissipating zone are discussed.Experimental results from seven specimens that were subjected to four failure modes are presented.The damage to the quasi-static specimens is localized to the replaceable energy-dissipating pier.The seismic behavior of the novel steel bridge columns is significantly influenced by the axial compression ratio and eccentricity of specimens.Numerical results show that the high stress area of the specimens is mainly concentrated in the connection zone between the LYP steel tubular plate and the bottom steel plate,which is consistent with the position of the quasi-static specimen when it was prone to fracture.Finally,a calculation formula is proposed to facilitate the capacity prediction of this new steel tubular bridge column under repeated loading.

Prediction of Axial Capacity of Concrete-Filled Square Steel Tubes Using Neural Networks

The application of artificial neural network to predict the ultimate bearing capacity of CFST （ concrete-filled square steel tubes） short columns under axial loading is explored. Input parameters consiste of concrete compressive strength, yield strength of steel tube, confinement index, sectional dimension and width-to-thickness ratio. The ultimate bearing capacity is the only output parameter. A multilayer feedforward neural network is used to describe the nonlinear relationships between the input and output variables. Fifty-five experimental data of CFST short columns under axial loading are used to train and test the neural network. A comparison between the neural network model and three parameter models shows that the neural network model possesses good accuracy and could be a practical method for predicting the ultimate strength of axially loaded CFST short columns.

Behavior of High Strength Concrete Filled Square Steel Tube Stub Columns with Inner CFRP Tube Under Biaxial Eccentric Compression

This paper studies the contribution of CFRP(carbon fiber-reinforced polymer)to the mechanical behavior of high strength concrete-filled square steel tube(HCFST)under biaxial eccentric compression.The new type of composite member is composed of an inner CFRP tube and an outer steel tube with concrete filled in the two tubes.The finite element analysis was made by ABAQUS on the behavior of high strength concrete filled square steel tubular columns with inner CFRP circular tube subjected to bi-axial eccentric loading.The results obtained from the finite element analysis were verified with the experimental results.In addition,the load-deflection curves in the whole process were calculated and analyzed,which can be divided into three segments:Elastic phase,plastic phase,descending phase.Based on the load-deflection curves,the stresses analysis on the core concrete,CFRP tube and steel tube were conducted.The confinement effect of the CFRP tube improves the ductility of HCFST-CFRP stub column.CFRP ratio and eccentricity affect the ultimate bearing capacity of HCFST stub column.Finally,a calculation formula of ultimate bearing capacity was proposed in the paper.

Design equations for maximum stress concentration factors for concrete-filled steel tubular K-joints

Stress concentration factors(SCFs)for welded tubular joints can be decreased by filling the chord with concrete leading to a longer fatigue life.However,there are currently no design formula available in guidelines to predict the SCF of concrete-filled circular hollow section(CFCHS)K-joints,thus limiting their applicability in bridge design.To address this gap,finite element models for CFCHS K-joints were developed and compared against test results to ensure their accuracy.Then,a comprehensive parametric study was conducted to establish relationships between maximum SCFs and four variables:brace-to-chord diameter ratio(b),chord diameter-to-thickness ratio(2g),brace-to-chord thickness ratio(t),and the angle between braces and chord(q).A total of 480 FE models were examined under three loading conditions including brace and chord loading:balanced axial force,chord axial force,and chord bending.Design equations to predict the maximum SCF for CFCHS Kjoints were established by multiple regression analyses of the numerical results.A comparison of maximum SCFs between circular hollow section(CHS)and CFCHS K-joints was made,and it was concluded that average reductions of 42%and 33%in maximum SCFs in CFCHS K-joints at the locations of the chord and brace were found compared to CHS joints for balanced axial force,respectively.Finally,a case study illustrating how to use the proposed equations for fatigue safety verification was presented.

Expansion performance and self-stressing behavior of CFST columns considering concrete creep and shrinkage effect

Expansive concrete is used in the steel tube of Concrete-filled steel tubular(CFST)columns to solve the problem of steel-to-concrete debonding.Self-stress is generated between concrete and steel plate due to concrete expansion,which can effectively improve the mechanical performance of CFST columns.Deformation tests were conducted on concrete and CFST columns,respectively.The free deformation of concrete and circumferential deformation of steel tubes were measured and analyzed.A calculation method was proposed to evaluate the hoop strain,self-stress and creep deformation of the CFST columns.The test and calculation results indicate that the proper addition of expansion agent in the internal concrete can keep concrete expansive and generate self-stresses for a long time.The expansion and self-stresses prevent the debonding between the steel tube and the internal concrete.Increasing the dosage of expansive agents and reducing the curing age both increase the expansive deformation and self-stress of CFST columns.Increasing the tube thickness reduces the expansive deformation and increases the initial self-stress of CFST columns.

A simplified model to predict blast response of CFST columns

In order to study the dynamic response of concrete-filled steel tube(CFST) columns against blast loads,a simplified model is established utilizing the equivalent single-degree-of-freedom(SDOF) method,which considers the non-uniform distribution of blast loads on real column and the axial load-bending moment(P-M) interaction of CFST columns.Results of the SDOF analysis compare well with the experimental data reported in open literature and the values from finite element modeling(FEM) using the program LS-DYNA.Further comparisons between the results of SDOF and FEM analysis show that the proposed model is effective to predict the dynamic response of CFST columns with different blast conditions and column details.Also,it is found that the maximum responses of the columns are overestimated when ignoring the non-uniformity of blast loads,and that neglecting the effect of P-M interaction underestimates the maximum response of the columns with large axial load ratio against close range blast.The proposed SDOF model can be used in the design of the blast-loaded CFST columns.