Numerical investigation and design of P-M interaction capacity of CFRP-jacketed hexagonal CFST short beam-columns

Abstract

Hexagonal Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular (H-CFST) members are now widely recognized by engineers. A serious concern with these columns is the local buckling of thin-walled steel tubes, which Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets offer considerable help in eliminating this troublesome condition. The objective of this study is to evaluate the structural performance of short H-CFST columns stiffened by CFRP strips through nonlinear analysis and numerical simulation. First, the finite element (FE) models were validated against the previous test results, and a close agreement was achieved. Next, an organized parametric study was carried out to investigate the influence of a collection of vital parameters on the strength of the columns. The ultimate eccentric loads of the columns were computed, and the results were plotted as load-moment (P-M) interaction diagrams. The confining contact stress methodology between the steel tube and the concrete infill was in depth discussed, and it was found that the stress concentration is greater in CFRP-jacketed H-CFST columns than in bare ones, and its value is greatest in the corners. Based on the parametric study within the considered geometric and material ranges, using CFRP sheets effectively improves the confinement effect of steel tubes to the core concrete and enhances the strength of the columns by up to 35%. However, by using fully-wrapped CFRP layers, the columns could handle a maximum of 55% more load-carrying capacity. Finally, a modified design formula based on a unified theory was suggested to estimate the ultimate load and bending moment capacity of H-CFST short columns under eccentric loading.