• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제34권3호
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• pp.347-359
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• 2020

The objective of this study is to experimentally scrutinize the axial performance of built-up concrete filled steel tube (CFT) columns composed of steel plates. In this case, the main parameters cross section types, compressive strength of filled concrete, and the effect of welding lines. Welded built-up steel box columns are fabricated by connecting two pieces of cold-formed U-shaped or four pieces of L-shaped thin steel plates with continuous penetration groove welding line located at mid-depth of stub column section. Furthermore, traditional square steel box sections with no welding lines are investigated for the comparison of axial behavior between the generic and build-up cross sections. Accordingly, 20 stub columns with thickness and height of 2 and 300 mm have been manufactured. As a result, welding lines in built-up specimens act as stiffeners because have higher strength and thickness in comparison to the plates. Subsequently, by increasing the welding lines, the load bearing capacity of stub columns has been increased in comparison to the traditional series. Furthermore, for specimens with the same confinement steel tubes and concrete core, increment of B/t ratio has reduced the ductility and axial strength.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제1권3호
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• pp.313-328
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• 2001

This paper presents a three-dimensional finite element analysis methodology for a quantitative evaluation of confinement in concrete-filled box-shaped unstiffened steel columns. The confinement effects of concrete in non-circular sections can be assessed in terms of maximum average lateral pressure. A brief review of a previous method adopted for the same purpose is also presented. The previous method is based on a two-dimensional finite element analysis method involving a concrete-steel interaction model. In both the present and previous methods, average lateral pressure on concrete is computed by means of the interaction forces present at the concrete-steel interface. Subsequently, the strength enhancement of confined concrete is empirically related to the maximum average lateral pressure. The results of the former and latter methods are then compared. It is found that the results of both methods are compatible in terms of confined concrete strengths, although the interaction model yields a somewhat overestimated estimation of confinement than those of the present method when relatively high strength concrete is used. Furthermore, the confinement in rectangular-shaped sections is investigated and the reliability of previously adopted simplifications in such cases is discussed.