Experimental and computational parametric analysis of CFST and CFFT columns

Abstract

‘Concrete Filled Steel Tubes (CFST)’/ ‘Concrete Filled FRP Tubes (CFFT)’ comprises of a steel/ ‘Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP)’ hollow pipe of circular or rectangular shape filled with plain or reinforced concrete. Need of such composite columns in the field of building construction is due to advancements in technology, need of bigger space in smaller land area, ease in construction workability, and a lot of other modern time requirements. This paper defines an experimental and computational project carried out by testing a total of 49 CFST columns and 60 CFFT columns. Three Finite Element models were also made using the software pack ABAQUS. Variables for the study were aspect ratio of columns, Shape of columns (i.e. square, circular or rectangular) and material (i.e. steel or FRP). Basic aim of the project was to find structural parameters like load-deflection behaviour, deflection pattern, maximum load carrying capacity etc. The Steel reinforced concrete-filled fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)tubular column is proposed as a new form of composite column to obtain higher mechanical performance. A comparative analysis was also carried out using three main resulting indices like Ductility Index (DI), Strength Index (SI) and Concrete Contribution Ratio (CCR). Comparative observations between CFST/CFFT columns of different shapes and sizes is carried out, also experimental results were compared with analytical results obtained from ABAQUS software.