Seismic performance of partially encased concrete composite columns with corrugated web

Abstract

Partially encased concrete composite (PEC) components have gained popularity recently because they are suitable for prefabricated construction. Corrugated steel plates have higher buckling strength and out-of-plane stiffness than flat plates, in this paper, an innovative corrugated web PEC column (CPEC column) was proposed, and its seismic performance was studied by cyclic loading tests. The designs and fabrications of specimens and loading system were described in detail. The seismic behavior of CPEC columns was investigated comparatively by analysis of their failure modes, hysteretic curves, ductility, energy dissipation capacity, and stiffness degradation. The test results show that the ultimate lateral load of CPEC columns under minor-axis bending is more competitive than that of ordinary PEC columns, while the ductility, energy dissipation capacity and stiffness degradation rate are close to that of ordinary PEC columns. Under major-axis bending, the “accordion effect” of corrugated web has a negative influence on the seismic behavior of CPEC columns after the concrete is crushed severely. Finally, the modified equations can be used to predict the N-M interaction curves of the CPEC columns. More experimental or numerical research should be carried out to further evaluate the seismic performance of CPEC columns quantitatively in the future.