Axial compressive behaviors of multi-cavity concrete-filled double-skin tubular stub columns

Abstract

The axial compressive behaviors of multi-cavity concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular (MCFDST) stub columns are investigated using experimental and numerical methods in this study. The MCFDST columns comprise two concentric steel tubes (circular hollow section (CHS) inner and square hollow section (SHS) outer), sandwiched concrete filled between them, and four strips connecting outer and inner tubes. Fourteen MCFDST stub columns and two concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular (CFDST) (CHS inner and SHS outer) stub columns are fabricated and tested. Experimental results are used to validate the accuracy of finite element models of MCFDST and CFDST stub columns, and based on which, extensive parameter analyses are conducted. The analysis results show that the strips delay the local buckling and change the buckling mode of outer steel tube, as well as improve the bearing capacity and ductility of stub columns. Observed failure modes are controlled by the local buckling of the outer tube associated with the crushing of filled concrete. In addition, the axial compressive performance of MCFDST stub columns can be improved by reducing the width-to-thickness ratio of outer tube, increasing the steel yield strength of outer tube and concrete strength, and adding strips. The hollow ratio has a negligible effect on the axial compressive behaviors when it ranges from 0.26 to 0.56. Furthermore, the predicted results by European, Japanese, British, and Chinese codes are compared with the experimental and FE results, suggesting that the formula in the European code has the best accuracy when predicting the load-bearing capacity of MCFDST stub columns.