Research on concrete-filled stainless steel tubular composite columns

Abstract

Concrete-filled stainless steel tubular composite columns are used in the structures. It is important to define the structural behaviour of this type of columns. This paper presents experimental and theoretical studies of eccentrically loaded concrete-filled stainless steel tubular composite columns. The column specimens were manufactured with high strength outer stainless steel tube, in-filled concrete and inner carbon structural steel. The tubular composite column specimens were designed with plain concrete and steel fiber reinforced concrete. The column specimens were tested and the experimental load–deflection curves of columns were presented in the study. In addition, the tested plain and steel fiber concrete-filled stainless steel tube composite columns were analysed based on a theoretical method for the prediction of strength and load–deflection behaviour. It was observed that the tested tubular column specimens behaved in a ductile manner. A good degree of agreement was obtained between the experimental and theoretical load–deflection curves of concrete-filled stainless steel tubular composite columns. In addition, a parametric study was carried out to examine the influences of loading eccentricity, slenderness, plate slenderness and the concrete compressive strength on concrete-filled stainless steel tubular composite column behaviour. It was concluded from the parametric study that the strength of columns increased by increasing stainless steel wall thickness and concrete compressive strength. However, column strength decreased when the eccentricity and column length were increased.