3-D inelastic analysis of hollow and concrete-filled steel columns

Abstract

The chapter predicts the inelastic behavior of thin-walled steel structures and composite structures, such as hollow and concrete-filled steel columns by using the software package DIANA. A three-dimensional (3D) elasto-plastic finite element analysis methodology is presented for both thin-walled steel columns with pipe and box-shaped sections, and concrete-filled steel box columns. By comparing with experimental result, it is observed that the analytical results of DIANA can give an accurate strength prediction to the experimental results of both steel and composite structures. A clear understanding of inelastic behavior is very important in developing a seismic design methodology for various structures. On the other hand, three dimensional approaches are very limited because of the time consuming nature of such analyses and the complicated modeling in the case of composite structures. The results of the analysis are compared with the experiment. It is found that the analytical and tested results are in good agreement in the case of steel structures. For concrete-filled composite structures, the present analytical procedure can accurately predict the strengths, but there is a considerable error in the evaluation of ductility.