Quasi-Static Finite Element Analysis and Damage Quantitative Evaluation of Special-Shaped Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Column Composite Frame Structure

Abstract

ABSTRACT Based on the elaborate 3D solid finite element (FE) model established by ABAQUS software, a pseudo-static analysis was conducted on a special-shaped concrete-filled steel tubular column composite frame structure. The FE model considers the confinement effect of both the steel tubes and the tensile bars exerting on the core concrete. The results of the numerical analysis concerning failure modes, load-displacement hysteretic curves, load-displacement skeleton curves and stiffness degradation-displacement curves demonstrate a strong correlation with the existing quasi-static test data. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis was conducted on the impact of the axial compression ratio of column on the plastic energy dissipation distribution mechanism. With an axial compression ratio of the column ranging from 0.1 to 0.55, the composite frame structure primarily relies on the energy dissipation of beams, while the columns serve as supplementary support, thereby exemplifying the principle of “strong column-weak beam.” As the axial compression ratio rises to the range of 0.6–0.8, the composite frame structure transitions a “strong beam-weak column” structural system. Combined with the longitudinal compressive strain of the steel tube at the bottom of the column, a quantitative evaluation method for seismic damage is proposed, grounded in indexes of “stiffness damage” and “energy damage.” Then, the threshold values of energy damage and stiffness damage are determined across four distinct levels: “elastic stage in small earthquake,” “elasto-plastic stage in medium earthquake,” “plastic stage in heavy earthquake” and “failure stage.” The proposed method effectively evaluate the damage severity of special-shaped CFT column composite frame structure subjected to seismic events.