Circular Concrete-filled Steel Research Articles

Research on the Gap Effect of Circular Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes Using the Improved Cohesive Zone Model

Understanding the influence of gap distribution characteristics on the mechanical properties of circular concrete-filled steel tubes (CCFSTs) under bending load is important for stability and support design in engineering projects. In this study, the improved cohesive zone model considering friction was used to describe the mechanical behavior of mortar interfaces. Meanwhile, the concrete damage plastic model and isotropic elastoplastic model were applied for core concrete and steel tubes. The improved cohesive zone model has a unified potential function that governs the Mode I and Mode II failure processes of mortar interfaces to realize the mechanical interaction between concrete and steel. A smooth frictional function was utilized in the elastic stage to calculate the accurate frictional effect. Furthermore, the capability of the model in addressing unloading and reloading was verified, and the fracture energy varied accordingly during the cyclic loading. Then, the mechanical response of CCFSTs was investigated under bending loads by setting different gap sizes and angles between the gap and loading direction. The results show that under three-point bending, the equivalent plastic strains at the middle part of CCFSTs are much larger and the peak bearing forces are much lower than the other degrees when the angles between the coronal gap axis and loading direction equal 0° and 180°. In addition, the order of the peak bearing forces, from highest to lowest, is when the height of the coronal-cap gap increases from 0.0 mm to 2.5 mm, 5.0 mm, and 7.5 mm. The significant effect makes it inappropriate to ignore the weakening of the structural performance caused by coronal gaps in structural design.

Axial compressive capacity prediction and optimal design of circular UHPC-filled steel tube based on Hybrid Symbolic Regression - Neural Network model

This study presents two methodologies for estimating the ultimate bearing capacity of ultra-high-performance concrete-filled circular steel tube (UHPCFST) columns and offers design optimization guidance: one employing a Symbolic Regression algorithm and the other a Hybrid Symbolic Regression - Neural Network (SR-NN) model. The models were trained, tested, and validated using experimental data from 498 samples sourced from existing literature. The optimal model, SR-NN_14_6, was identified from a pool of 480 models using a trial-and-error approach. The formula and model exhibited enhanced stability and precision, as indicated by their mean absolute error of 8.601 % and 8.051 %, respectively, marking an improvement exceeding 30 % relative to the best existing AIJ code. Using the validated model, a parametric analysis was conducted to assess the influence of the confinement effect coefficient (ξ) and steel ratio (α) on the strength index (SI) of UHPCFST members, leading to the identification of two optimal parameter ranges. The optimal ranges of ξ and α were determined to be 0.84 to 1.29 % and 20 % to 30 %, respectively, offering valuable guidelines for the design of UHPCFST members.

Behaviour and design of prestressed stayed circular concrete-filled double skin steel tubular (PS-CCFDSST) columns under axial compression

An innovative type of steel-concrete composite column, named the prestressed stayed circular concrete-filled double skin steel tubular (PS-CCFDSST) column, is introduced in this study, aiming to achieve both structural efficiency and economic advantages. Numerical simulation and theoretical analysis on the axial compressive behaviour of PS-CCFDSST columns were carried out, to understand and reveal their fundamental working mechanisms. Nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) utilising ABAQUS was performed and validated against collected test data of CCFDSST columns and PS columns. Properly designed PS-CCFDSST columns could gain cost savings of over 30 % while maintaining identical load-bearing capacity as prestressed stayed hollow steel tube (PS-HST) columns with the same steel usage. The effects of initial pretension, nominal steel ratio, hollow ratio, column’s slenderness ratio, relative length of struts, column diameter, strut diameter and cable area on the buckling mode and buckling capacity of PS-CCFDSST columns were evaluated via parametric studies. The stiffness ratio β could be used as an index to comprehensively assess the structural efficiency of PS-CCFDSST columns, and a critical threshold of β = 2 corresponds to the transition between symmetric and anti-symmetric buckling modes. Linear calculation formulae for the theoretical buckling capacity and optimal initial pretension of PS-CCFDSST columns were derived. Finally, practical design equations for predicting the column’s buckling capacity were developed, and recommended values for the actual optimal initial pretension and other primary parameters were provided for PS-CCFDSST columns under axial compression. This study, for the first time, provides the fundamental mechanical behaviour, identification of the critical stiffness ratio for buckling mode transition, and design framework for buckling capacity of the PS-CCFDSST column, which is useful for advancing theoretical exploration and informing engineering practices for this new column type.

Behavior of circular ultra-high-strength concrete-filled steel tube columns subjected to combined high-axial and cyclic lateral loads

The present study examined the seismic performance of circular concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns infilled with ultra-high-strength concrete (UHSC >100 MPa) as well as the beneficial effect of embedded spiral confining (SC) reinforcement at high axial load ratios (0.53–0.70) in order to enhance the safety and structural integrity of high-rise buildings. Seven specimens, including four CFST columns and three SC-CFST columns, were investigated under combined high axial and quasi-static cyclic lateral loads. The test parameters included axial load ratio (0.53–0.70), concrete compressive strength (64–111 MPa), embedded spiral confining reinforcement (pitch of 30 mm and 60 mm), and concrete vibration state. The test results demonstrated that adding spiral reinforcement improved the deformation capacity of CFST columns, which was reduced by the increased concrete strength. By embedding spiral confining reinforcement (volumetric ratio 3.3 %), the SC-CFST columns attained a deformation capacity comparable to that of CFST columns with normal concrete (64 MPa) for an axial load ratio of 0.53. The higher axial load ratio and concrete strength of composite columns led to a significant P-Delta moment effect, resulting in a substantial drop in columns' lateral load capacity. Composite columns with UHSC showed a larger contribution from the column base rotation to the specimen's lateral deformation when compared to composite columns with normal-strength concrete because the rigidity offered by UHSC made the column more rigid and reduced its flexural deformation. The unvibrated core concrete of the CFST column did not influence the initial stiffness and energy dissipation capacity. However, during the later stages of loading, the damage in core concrete rapidly accumulated, resulting in instant degradation of the load capacity and stiffness, considerable axial shortening, and poor deformation capacity. The experimental investigation offered a reliable reference on the performance of CFST columns constructed under high-axial load ratios (0.53–0.7) using ultra-high-strength concrete (>100 MPa) and spiral confining reinforcement so as to promote their application in practical engineering.

Performance of lightweight coconut shell concrete-filled circular steel tube columns under axial compression

The current study aimed to use coconut shell concrete, a structural lightweight concrete, as an infill material in concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns and test it under axial compression. Testing was done on eighteen short, intermediate and long coconut shell CFST columns and six normal-weight CFST short columns for comparison. For both types of columns, the axial load-displacement curves and modes of failure were examined. By varying the length-to-diameter and diameter-to-thickness ratios, the axial capacity of steel tubes filled with coconut shell concrete was assessed. The composite action was verified from the results of the confinement index, strength index and the contribution of the coconut shell concrete as infill concrete. Structural efficiency and energy absorption of the lightweight CFST column was contrasted with its counterpart column. The contribution of coconut shell concrete to the strength of the CFST column was the highest at 61.36% and more significant than that of normal-weight CFST columns. The coconut shell CFST columns were 23.63% lighter than the normal-weight columns, contributing to its higher structural efficiency. These columns also had 8.12% more energy absorption than normal-weight columns. Hence, the results of this investigation revealed that coconut shell concrete has the potential to be utilized in CFST columns. Further, compared to the experimental ultimate loads, the predictions made by the existing codes, EC4 and ANSI/AISC 360 are conservative.

Circular concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular short columns under axial compression: An improved theoretical model and design

Existing theoretical analysis methods for concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular (CFDST) short columns generally ignore the reduction of concrete strength due to brittleness. As a result, these methods cannot accurately capture full range behavior for CFDST columns containing high-strength concrete. By focusing on the reduction effect of concrete strength in CFDST columns due to concrete brittleness, this paper proposes a reduction factor for use in design, for the first time. Based on this reduction factor, a theoretical model for axially compressed circular CFDST short columns considering non-uniform confinement effect of the sandwiched concrete is established. A substantial experimental database of 168 CFDST columns with carbon circular steel tubes is then compiled. By comparing with this database, the proposed theoretical model is shown to achieve greater accuracy than existing approaches. Utilizing this model, the influence of column parameters on the performance of the studied CFDST members are investigated and the results are discussed. It is shown that concrete strength, hollow ratio, yield strength of the outer tube, and the diameter-to-thickness ratio of the outer and inner tubes are influential to the ultimate strength and ductility of CFDST columns. However, the yield strength of the inner tube only affects the ultimate strength of CFDST columns but has a negligible influence on the ductility. Finally, utilizing the experimental and theoretical data presented, the accuracy of existing design codes for concrete-filled steel tubes for the design of CFDST members with or without considering the reduction effect of concrete strength is assessed. The results indicate that Eurocode 4 provides a more reasonable prediction result.

Experiments and calculation methods on the tensile capacity of a single blind bolt anchored in a circular CFST section

Composite tubular joints that connect the steel brace and circular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) chords are crucial for the performance of entire composite truss structures. While welding is traditionally used for these connections, bolted connections offer an alternative in challenging environments where on-site welding is not feasible. The emergence of blind bolts provides an innovative solution for bolted CFST joints by offering bolted fastening without needing access to the inner surface of a closed section. This paper focuses on the tensile performance of a single blind bolt anchored in a circular CFST section. Experiments are conducted on three different configurations of blind bolts: non-anchored blind bolt with washer, anchored blind bolt without washer, and anchored blind bolt with washer. Based on the tests, the failure mode, the ultimate capacity, and the stiffness of the CFST-blind bolt specimens are investigated. The research findings show that the stiffness and ultimate capacity of the specimen are highly influenced by the bolt diameter, concrete strength, and effective embedment length, as well as the configuration of the blind bolt. And the effective embedment length has the most significant effect on the bearing capacity of the specimen. For every 30 mm increase in bolt effective embedment length, the bearing capacity of the specimen increases by at least 25 %. Finally, practical calculation methods are proposed to determine the ultimate capacity of CFST-blind bolt joints with various configurations under tensile action. The proposed calculation methods demonstrate high accuracy, as evidenced by the good agreement between the calculated values and experimental results.

An analytical model for axially compressed circular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) short columns with varied confinement factors

Accurate evaluation of the load-strain behavior of axially compressed concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) short columns is pivotal for engineering structures, and depends on precise prediction of the hoop-axial strain response. This study introduces a two-stage hoop-axial strain relationship that incorporates the initial Poisson's ratio and elastic limit to account for the initial linearity of concrete, and a reduction coefficient to take into account the effect of concrete strength on lateral deformation properties, based on a widely used hoop-axial equation. Experimental validation across a definite concrete strength range of 28 MPa to 125.3 MPa reveals improved predictions for the dilation rate of CFST columns subjected to axial compression, particularly for those columns fabricated with high-strength concrete (> 100 MPa). Subsequently, an analytical model consisting of the proposed two-stage strain relationship, a confined concrete model with inflection-point strain and residual strength, and the biaxial stress-strain relationship of steel tube is then established to estimate the compressive behavior of circular CFST short columns. Experimental verification over a range of confinements (confinement factor from 0.289 to 2.138) demonstrates the ability of the proposed analytical model to accurately capture the load-strain curves of circular CFST short columns, especially the post-peak behavior of those with confinement factors less than 1. The performance of the established analytical model in assessing the axial load-carrying capacity of circular CFST stub columns is investigated using a database assembled from available studies.

Study on the Bending-Shear Properties of Concrete-Filled Circular Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic Steel Tubes.

In order to study the bending-shear performance of CFRP concrete-filled steel tubes, static tests were conducted on 15 circular concrete-filled CFRP steel tube bending-shear specimens. For all specimens, Ds was 120 mm, ts was 2 mm, and ml was 1. The shear displacement (V-Δ) curve of the specimen and the collaborative work between the steel tube and CFRP are discussed. ABAQUS was applied to simulate the V-Δ curve and failure mode of the specimen. We explored the effects of CFRP layers, material strength, the steel ratio, and the shear span ratio on the bending-shear performance of components. The experimental results show that a steel tube and CFRP can work together. As the shear span ratio increased, the bearing capacity and stiffness of the specimen decreased. An increase in the number of transverse CFRP layers could improve the bearing capacity of the specimen, but it had no significant effect on the stiffness. Calculating the elastic stage stiffness and bearing capacity of 15 short columns of test and FE curves revealed an average error of 6.71% and a mean square error of 0.83 for the elastic stage stiffness. The simulation results of the established finite element model are in good agreement with the experimental results. The average error of the bearing capacity was 3.88%, with a mean square error of 0.94. Based on experimental and finite element results, the moment shear correlation equation for concrete-filled CFRP steel tube bending-shear members is presented.

Residual compressive strength of locally corroded circular CFST stub columns: An experimental study

Abstract Circular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns are widely used in civil engineering structures due to their high strength, stiffness, and ductility. However, these columns are susceptible to local corrosion damage, which can reduce their load-carrying capacity and durability. This paper presents an experimental investigation of the impact of local corrosion on the residual compressive strength of CFST stub columns. The experimental program included 9 CFST columns, which were divided into two groups: G1 and G2. G1 specimens were subjected to actual electrochemical corrosion, while G2 specimens were subjected to mechanical damage to simulate the corrosion effect. The experimental results included the tested columns’ corrosion profiles, failure modes, load-strain relationships, and load-carrying capacities. The main findings of this paper show that: (1) Different heights and thicknesses of corrosion profile representing the non-uniform localized corrosion. (2) Failure modes were mainly affected by the localized damage conditions, where the buckling occurred in the affected area. (3) Load-strain relationships exhibited elastic behavior initially, followed by nonlinear plastic behavior until reaching their ultimate compressive capacity. (4) The mechanical damage method can reasonably approximate the corrosion damage in CFST columns. This paper provides useful insights into the structural behavior of locally damaged CFST short columns.

Numerical simulation of axially loaded circular concrete-filled steel tubular short columns with localized corrosion

Concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns are widely utilized in structures owing to their cost-effectiveness, high strength, ductility, and proven fire resistance. Despite these advantages, concerns persist regarding the performance of CFST columns with locally corroded steel tubes, impeding their widespread adoption in offshore structures. This research employs three-dimensional finite element (FE) simulations for circular CFST stub columns subjected to axial compression, validated against experimental data. Verification includes full load-displacement histories, ultimate axial strengths, and failure modes. The validated FE models are then employed to assess and compare the structural behavior of CFST columns with various shapes of localized corrosion, analyzing overall load-deformation curves, interaction stress-deformation responses, and composite actions. To acquire critical data for understanding stub column behavior, 81 specimens underwent non-linear finite element analysis, with local corrosion represented by artificial notches in steel tubes. Test parameters, such as notch orientations, lengths, depths, widths, and concrete compressive strength, are varied. Results elucidate the impacts of these parameters on different aspects of stub column responses with corroded steel tubes. Furthermore, the accuracy of existing design models in predicting the ultimate axial strengths of CFST columns with corroded steel tubes is assessed. Finally, through parametric analysis of test results, a practical model is proposed and verified for computing the peak resistance of a CFST stub column with a locally corroded steel tube.

Experimental investigations into stocky composite columns of concrete-filled circular S690 steel tubes under compression

Composite columns of concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs) are very efficient in providing large structural resistances and rigidities. However, high strength S690 steel tubes are not covered in current design codes. Therefore, a series of experimental investigations into stocky composite columns with circular CFSTs under compression were conducted. A total of 21 stocky composite columns with different tube diameters and thicknesses made of Grades S355, S460 and S690 steel and Grade C60/75 concrete were tested under different loading conditions. Moreover, extensive measurements on the surface strains of the steel tubes were made during tests. Data analyses on the test results reveal that all composite columns exhibit enhanced section resistances and ductility at large deformations, indicating that the use of S690 steel and C60/75 concrete in these composite columns are highly efficient. A simple method for determining confining pressures provided by the steel tubes to the concrete cores in these composite columns is proposed, which involves a systematic analysis on the measured data and the use of von Mises yielding criterion without any complicated plasticity formulation. Based on the proposed method, the resistance contributions of both the steel tubes and the concrete cores are successfully quantified. Comparison between the measured and the predicted resistances using EN 1994–1-1 of these composite columns reveals that while the section resistances of these composite columns are safely predicted, the resistances of the steel tubes are underpredicted while those of the concrete cores are overpredicted correspondingly. The findings highlight the need to improve the predictability of the current design rules, and to give increased resistances of the steel tubes when high strength S690 steel tubes are used.

Structural performance of circular CFST columns with circumferential gap imperfections

The present study investigated the influence of circumferential uniform gap imperfections (≤ 1.0%) on the structural behavior of circular concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns under axial compression. The study involved testing 20 CFST columns with circumferential uniform gaps with varying gap ratios (0.2%–1.0%), diameter-to-thickness ratios (18–43), and concrete strength (68.5 MPa and 114 MPa). The presence of uniform gaps (0.2%–1.0%) reduced the confinement effect of steel tube on core concrete, and peak load capacity decreased by 9.0%–24.0%. The normalized concrete strength in high-strength concrete specimens with gap ratios ranged between 0.89 and 0.99, showing no interaction between steel tube and core concrete due to the less deformable nature of high-strength concrete. Core concrete exhibited a combination of vertical splitting and diagonal cracks distributed across the height of specimens with an increase in gap ratio, and local steel tube bulging was dispersed around the edge regions. A theoretical procedure was developed to assess the impact of uniform gaps on the stress state of steel tube and core concrete by determining their respective load contributions. The suggested approach reasonably estimated the gap ratio's nominal influence on the behavior of steel tubes and its considerable influence on the behavior of core concrete. Considering the experimental limitations, gap ratios were broadened through finite element modelling to investigate the gap ratio effect further. After examining the confinement mechanism of CFST columns and finite element results, an analytical formulation to predict the peak load capacity of CFST columns with circumferential uniform gaps was proposed and verified.

Behaviour of concrete-filled circular steel tubular K-joints in wind turbine towers

The advantages of concrete-filled steel tubular lattice towers in stress efficiency, material consumption, and industrial construction are significant for the future development of ultra-long blades, ultra-high towers, and large-capacity units. The stress state of the joints is a key component of a wind tower structure. Therefore, experiments were conducted on four concrete-filled circular steel tubular (CFCST) K-joints in a lattice wind turbine tower, along with one hollow circular steel tubular (HCST) K-joint for comparison. The test results revealed that the CFCST K-joints failed due to local and overall buckling of the compression web, whereas no plastic deformation occurred on the chord. The stiffness of the CFCST K-joints significantly improved, and the stress concentration around the intersecting line was significantly reduced. Existing structural codes, both domestic and international, underestimate the bearing capacity of CFCST K-joints because the contribution of the core concrete cannot be accounted for. Finite element analyses indicate that the bearing capacity of the CFCST K-joints is dependent on the failure mode, primarily influenced by the thickness ratio τ and the angle θ. To prevent joint failure in the CFCST lattice wind turbine towers, specifically suggest τ ≤ 1 and θ ≤ 45°. Based on the bearing capacity calculation method proposed by CIDECT for HCST K-joints, design equations were obtained to predict the punching shear bearing capacity of CFCST K-joints using the least-squares method. The established formula exhibited high accuracy through regression verification.

Compressive performance of eccentrically double-cell concrete-filled circular steel tubular columns

This paper presents a series of tests conducted on axial compression of concrete-filled steel tubes with double inner circular steel tubes (DIC-CFST) stub columns. The DIC-CFST stub columns are composed of four elements: an outer circular steel tube, two inner hollow circular steel tubes arranged symmetrically along the diameter of the outer tube, and concrete filling the space between the three steel tubes. A total of 27 specimens with varying eccentricity ratio (e), hollow ratio (ψ), and concrete strength (C) were subjected to the tests. The results indicate that under axial compression, noticeable local buckling failures occur in both the inner and outer steel tubes. Concrete failure manifests as vertical through cracks and circumferential crushing zones. The load-deformation curve of the specimens remains essentially the same as that of a full-section concrete-filled steel tube. A general positive correlation exists between the ultimate bearing capacity and the strength of concrete, and the range of eccentricity ratio and hollow ratio significantly influences the relationship between these two parameters and the ultimate bearing capacity of the specimens. As the concrete strength increases, the initial stiffness exhibits a noticeable increase. Conversely, the initial stiffness experiences a significant reduction with an increase in the hollow ratio. The ductility decreases with increasing concrete strength and eccentricity ratio. Furthermore, in comparison to the AISC 360–10 Specification, Eurocode 4, and Han's method, the calculation formula proposed in this paper for determining the ultimate bearing capacity of DIC-CFST stub columns has exhibited superior accuracy.

Axial compressive behavior of circular concrete-filled steel tubular stubs strengthened with CFRP considering preloading and corrosion

Concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) structures in service are usually subjected to a combination of loads and corrosion, and they need to be strengthened for continued use. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is characterized by high strength, corrosion resistance, and convenient construction. Experimental and numerical investigations are conducted to study the axial compressive behavior of CFRP-strengthened circular concrete-filled steel tubular stubs considering preloading and corrosion (C-CFRP-PCCFST). Four C-CFRP-PCCFST specimens and one un-strengthened specimen are tested under axial compressive load. Finite element (FE) models of the C-CFRP-PCCFST stubs are established and validated by experimental results. Then, a parametric study on the yield strength of C-CFRP-PCCFST stubs is mainly carried out in terms of different corrosion parameters, material properties, and preloading conditions. The results show that the preloading has a negative effect on the yield strength of C-CFRP-PCCFST stub columns, while its effect on the ultimate strength can be neglected. The yield strength of C-CFRP-PCCFST stub columns decreases with the increase of corrosion parameters. The effects of corrosion and preloading on the yield strength of C-CFRP-PCCFST stubs are reflected by introducing strength reduction factors Re1 and Re2, respectively. Based on the results of the parametric study, the equation for predicting the yield strength of C-CFRP-PCCFST stubs is proposed.

Axial Compression Tests for Circular Concrete-Filled Steel Tube (CFST) Columns with Notch Imperfection

Axial Compression Tests for Circular Concrete-Filled Steel Tube (CFST) Columns with Notch Imperfection

Experimental and numerical investigations of circular concrete filled steel double-skin and double-tube columns exposed to fire

Circular concrete-filled steel double-tube (CFSDT) columns have shown excellent ductility and load-carrying capacity. However, research on the fire resistance of CFSDT columns is still limited. This paper presents the fire tests, finite element (FE) modeling, behavior, and design of circular CFSDT columns and concrete-filled steel double-skin (CFSDS) columns exposed to fire. The fire resistance tests of one CFSDS and six CFSDT columns are described. Analysis is given on the effects of the material strength, the thickness of the inner steel tube, and the load ratio on the fire resistance of the specimens. Finite element models are developed that simulate the fire behavior of filled composite columns with double tubes and are verified by fire test results. The verified FE models are employed to undertake parametric studies on the structural responses of CFSDS and CFSDT columns under fire exposure. A design model is proposed for calculating the fire resistances of CFSDT columns. The results show that the load ratio and the column slenderness ratio have the most significant effect on the fire resistance of CFSDT columns; the cross-sectional parameters remarkably affect the fire resistance; and the material strength has a moderate impact on the fire resistance of CFSDT columns. Compared with CFSDS specimens, the existence of the core concrete significantly increases the fire resistance of CFSDT columns. The proposed design model for fire resistance can yield a safe prediction.

Influence of corrosion on loading capacity of circular concrete-filled steel tubular column

Concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns are commonly used in engineering, especially in load-bearing structures. This study conducts an in-depth examination of how the axial resistance of CFST columns varies with random corrosion. A finite element model for circular CFST columns is developed and its accuracy is verified using available experimental data. The interaction between the outer steel tube and the concrete column is explored, along with the introduction of a strength reduction coefficient concept. Additionally, the concept of an axial load-bearing capacity reduction coefficient is introduced to illustrate variations in the axial resistance of circular CFST columns during different corrosion stages. The degradation patterns of reduction coefficients for uniform and random corrosion depths in the steel tube and CFST columns with varying mass loss rates are analyzed, and formulas are provided to predict the axial resistance in different corrosion stages. Furthermore, the study investigates the influence of variables such as material strength, component dimensions, and the thickness of the external steel tube, resulting in adjustments to the original expressions for various conditions.

Experimental and numerical study on axial compression behavior of slender CFST columns with localized pitting corrosion damage

In order to investigate the axial compression behavior of slender circular concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs) with localized pitting corrosion damage, an experimental and numerical study was performed in this paper. In the experimental study, mechanically drilled cylindrical pits were employed to simulate localized pitting corrosion damage. Seven specimens were tested, with six specimens containing corrosion pits located at mid-height and one intact specimen. The experimental results showed that the localized pitting corrosion damage degraded the axial compression behavior of the specimens. Numerical models were developed and validated by the experimental results and used to consider the random characteristics of corrosion pits. A parametric analysis was then performed based on the validated numerical models. It was revealed that the ultimate strength of CFST was influenced by the location and dimensions of the pitting corrosion. Considering the random nature of localized pitting corrosion damage located at the midheight, practical calculation models for predicting the ultimate strength of CFSTs were put forward based on the methods provided in existing codes. On account of the obtained data pool, the predictions were verified against the results from the tests and parametric analysis. In addition, considering the random locations of the pitting region on the surface of the member, a method based on the controlling section was proposed to determine whether the corrosion should be considered and to calculate the ultimate strength.