Abstract
Abstract Concrete-filled thin-walled steel tubular slender columns are studied in this paper to evaluate their stiffness. The slender columns have various steel tube thicknesses, length/diameter (width) ratios, and concrete compressive strengths. The columns are loaded by axial and eccentric loads. Two experimental tests of the slender and stub columns are described. Also, the finite element software ABAQUS is utilised to simulate and analyse the columns. The tested columns are simulated taking into account all their features in the tests to verify the simulation of the columns. The simulation results are compared with the tests results which reveal that good agreements exist between them. Thus, the proposed simulation method of the columns is verified. In order to assess the stiffness of the columns under different conditions, various load eccentricities (0 mm, 25 mm, and 50 mm), cross-sectional configurations (circular, rectangular, and square), and steel tube thicknesses (2 mm, 3.35 mm, and 5 mm) are adopted for the developed columns. The columns are simulated and analysed based on the verified simulation method considering the mentioned conditions. As a conclusion, the stiffness of the columns is generally reduced by the increase of the load eccentricity from 0 mm to 25 mm and 50 mm. Further, more uniform distribution of the stiffness is witnessed for the columns with lower eccentricities. In addition, the enhancement of the load eccentricity increased the reduction slope of the stiffness graph for the columns. Although the initial stiffness of the circular column is slightly lower than the rectangular and square columns, the stiffness has more uniform distribution which is preferred. Larger stiffness is achieved for the columns by increasing the steel tube thickness from 2 mm to 3.35 mm and 5 mm.
Highlights
Many advantages have been resulted from the research attempts on the performance of concrete-filled thin-walled steel tubular (CFST) columns compared with their traditional steel and reinforced concrete counterparts
The need for longitudinal and transverse reinforcements in reinforced concrete columns is eliminated by the use of the CFST columns which leads to less cost
The confinement created by the steel tube for the concrete core is an important aspect of the structural performance of the CFST columns which greatly contributes to their capacity
Summary
Many advantages have been resulted from the research attempts on the performance of concrete-filled thin-walled steel tubular (CFST) columns compared with their traditional steel and reinforced concrete counterparts. Location of steel and concrete respectively in the perimeter and core of cross-sections of the CFST columns optimises the strength and stiffness of the columns. An experimental and computational investigation of concrete-filled steel tubular columns subjected to axial loads was performed by Gupta et al [3]. Concrete-filled steel tubular columns with high strength materials and slender sections were experimentally tested by Thai et al [10] to acknowledge limitations of the design guidelines for the columns. Experimental tests and numerical study were done on the flexural buckling behaviour and resistances of circular high strength concrete-filled stainless steel tube columns by He et al [11]. Different load eccentricities (0 mm, 25 mm, and 50 mm), cross-sectional configurations (circular, rectangular, and square), and steel tube thicknesses (2 mm, 3.35 mm, and 5 mm) are considered for the columns and thereafter the stiffness of the columns is assessed
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