• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.95-108
• /
• 2018

A new composite reinforced method, namely self-compacting concrete filled circular CFRP-steel jacketing, was proposed in this paper. Experimental tests on eight RC square short columns reinforced with the new composite reinforced method and four RC square short columns reinforced with CFS jackets were conducted to investigate their eccentrically compressive behaviour. Nine reinforced columns were subjected to eccentrically compressive loading, while three reinforced columns were subjected to axial compressive loading as reference. The parameters investigated herein were the eccentricity of the compressive loading and the layer of CFRP. Subsequently, the failure mode, ultimate load, deformation and strain of these reinforced columns were discussed. Their failure modes included the excessive bending deformation, serious buckling of steel jackets, crush of concrete and fracture of CFRP. Moreover, these reinforced columns exhibited a ductile failure globally. Both the eccentricity of the compressive loading and the layer of CFRP had a significant effect on the eccentrically compressive behaviour of reinforced columns. Finally, formulae for the evaluation of the ultimate load of reinforced columns were proposed. The theoretical formulae based on the ultimate equilibrium theory provided an effective, acceptable and safe method for designers to calculate the ultimate load of reinforced columns under eccentrically compressive loading.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.19 no.5
• /
• pp.1299-1319
• /
• 2015

This paper presents a detailed parametric study, conducted using finite element tools to cover a range of several geometric and material parameters, on the behaviour of thin-walled partially encased composite (PEC) columns. The PEC columns studied herein are composed of thin-walled built-up H-shaped steel sections with concrete infill cast between the flanges. Transverse links are provided between the opposing flanges to improve resistance to local buckling. The parametric study is confined to eccentrically-loaded columns subjected to major axis bending only. The parameters that were varied include the overall column slenderness ratio (L/d), load eccentricity ratio (e/d), link spacing-to-depth ratio (s/d), flange plate slenderness ratio (b/t) and concrete compressive strength ($f_{cu}$). The overall column slenderness ratio was chosen to be the primary variable with values of 5, 10 and 15. Other parameters were varied within each case of L/d ratio. The effects of the selected parameters on the behaviour of PEC columns were studied with respect to the failure mode, peak axial load, axial load versus average axial strain response, axial load versus lateral displacement response, moment versus lateral displacement behaviour and the axial load-moment interaction diagram. The results of the parametric study are presented in the paper and the influences of each of the parameters investigated are discussed.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.8 no.5
• /
• pp.423-438
• /
• 2008

This paper reports an experimental investigation of the behaviour of concrete-encased composite columns subjected to short-term axial load and biaxial bending. In the study, six square and four L-shaped cross section of both short and slender composite column specimens were constructed and tested to examine the load-deflection behaviour and to obtain load carrying capacities. The main variables in the tests were considered as eccentricity of applied axial load, concrete compressive strength, cross section, and slenderness effect. A theoretical procedure considering the nonlinear behaviour of the materials is proposed for determination of the behaviour of eccentrically loaded short and slender composite columns. Two approaches are taken into account to describe the flexural rigidity (EI) used in the analysis of slender composite columns. Observed failure mode and experimental and theoretical load-deflection behaviour of the specimens are presented in the paper. The composite column specimens and also some composite columns available in the literature have been analysed and found to be in good agreement with the test results.

• Ocean Systems Engineering
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.159-171
• /
• 2012

Reinforced concrete structures in cold coastal regions are subjected to coupled effects of service load, freeze-thaw cycles and seawater corrosion. This would significantly degrade the performance and therefore shorten the service life of these structures. In the current paper, the mechanical properties of concrete material and the structural behaviour of eccentrically loaded reinforced concrete columns under multiple actions of seawater corrosion, freeze-thaw cycles and persistent load have been studied experimentally. Results show that when exposed to alternating actions of seawater corrosion and freeze-thaw cycles, the compressive strength of concrete decreases with the increased number of freeze-thaw cycles. For reinforced concrete column, if it is only subjected to seawater corrosion and freeze-thaw cycles, the load resistance capacity is found to be reduced by 11.5%. If a more practical service condition of reinforced concrete structures in cold coastal regions is simulated, i.e., the environmental factors are coupled with persistent loading, a rapid drop of 15% - 26.9% in the ultimate capacity of the eccentrically loaded reinforced concrete column is identified. Moreover, it is observed that the increase of eccentric load serves to accelerate the deterioration of column structural behavior.