Axial compression analysis of square concrete-encased concrete filled steel tubular stub columns after fire exposure

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents results from numerical studies on the effect of critical factors governing the axial compression mechanical properties on square cross-section concrete-encased concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) stub columns after fire exposure. A validated three dimensional finite element model is applied for evaluating axial compression mechanical properties of concrete-encased CFST stub columns after fire exposure under different factors. The factors varied in the parametric study include fire exposure time, steel tube area ratio, longitudinal bar ratio, compressive strength of concrete, yield strength of steel tube, and sectional core area ratio. Results from parametric studies show that axial compressive strength and axial stiffness of square concrete-encased CFST stub columns after fire decrease significantly. The decline of axial stiffness is higher than that of axial compression ultimate bearing capacity. Fire exposure time and sectional core area ratio have significant influence on the reduced level of axial compressive strength and axial stiffness of square concrete-encased CFST stub columns after fire exposure. Steel tube area ratio and reinforcement ratio have some influence on the reduced level. Compressive strength of concrete and yield strength of steel tube have limited influence on the reduced level.