Iterative Finite Element Analysis of Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Columns Subjected to Axial Compression

Abstract

Since laboratory tests are usually costly, simulating methods using computers are always under the spotlight. This study performed a finite element analysis (FEA) using iterative solutions for simulating circular and square concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns infilled with high-strength concrete and reinforced with a cross-shaped plate (comprising two plates along the columns that divide the hollow columns into four equal sections) with and without opening. For this reason and for validation purposes, the columns had length of 900 mm, width/diameter of 150 mm and wall thickness of 3 mm. In this study, unlike in some other studies, the cross-shaped plate was assumed to be fixed at the top and the bottom of a column, and the columns were subjected to axial compression pointed in the center. The outcomes revealed that the cross-shaped plate could improve the axial strength of both circular and square CFST columns; however, the structural performance of the square CFST columns changed: local outward buckling was observed after inserting the cross-shaped plate. By inserting an opening on the cross-shaped plate, the bearing capacity of the circular CFST columns was further improved, while the square CFST columns experienced a decline in their ultimate bearing capacity compared with the corresponding models without the opening. The lateral deflection also improved for the circular CFST columns by adding the reinforcement. However, for the square CFST columns, while it initially improved, increasing the thickness of the cross-shaped plate inversely influenced the lateral deflection of the square CFST columns. The results were also compared with some available codes, and a good agreement was achieved with those outcomes.