Axial compressive behavior of reinforced hollow circular high strength concrete filled steel tubular short columns

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the mechanical behavior of reinforced hollow circular high-strength concrete-filled steel tubular (RHCFST) short columns under axial compression. The axial compression test of 6 RHCFST short columns was carried out, and the bearing capacity, ductility and failure modes of the columns were analyzed. The results revealed that the failure modes of RHCFST short columns primarily included mixed failure, shear failure, and crushing failure. Comparatively, the failure modes of specimens with ordinary reinforcement exhibited a shift towards mixed failure, significant improvement in ductility, and a decrease in the increase trend of ultimate bearing capacity with the growth of steel tube thickness. Based on the test results, finite element models were developed using ABAQUS software for parameter analysis. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between the short column’s bearing capacity and parameters such as steel strength, sandwich concrete strength, steel tube thickness, and ordinary reinforcement diameter. Additionally, the initial stiffness of the short column increased with the increase of steel tube thickness. Considering the mechanical properties and engineering applicability of the member, the recommended design of steel tube yield strength, sandwich concrete strength, steel tube thickness and ordinary reinforcement diameter were given. Furthermore, the axial bearing capacity calculation formulae for RHCFST short columns were proposed. The calculated values were found to closely match both experimental and simulated values, with errors falling within 10 %. Consequently, the formulae can offer a reliable prediction of the member’s axial bearing capacity.