Lateral impact resistance of CFST cantilever members stiffened with encased I-shaped CFRP

Abstract

The lateral impact resistance of cantilever concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) members stiffened with encased I-shaped carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) profiles subjected to lateral impact is investigated in this paper. The impact tests are performed on four specimens to examine the dynamic response. Finite element analysis models are established and verified against tested results. Baseline simulations are also created using the validated models to further analyze the damage pattern and energy dissipation mechanism of each component in the impact events. It is found that compared with traditional CFST members, the new composite members have higher peak impact force, lower dynamic displacement, and larger energy dissipation capacity. Additionally, the effects of design parameters on the impact performance are evaluated by parametric analyses, and the results provide valuable suggestions for developing design guidance.