BEHAVIOR OF CONCRETE FILLED STAINLESS STEEL TUBULAR COLUMN UNDER AXIAL LOADS

Abstract

Concrete filled stainless steel tube (CFSST) is a composite structure that comprises both the structural steel and
core concrete. A CFSST column has gained prominence from structural engineers all over the world as it provides
sufficient strength and durability to withstand compressive loads. Use of stainless steel in place of mild steel provides
the desired fire and corrosion resistance, as well as aesthetics otherwise a concrete filled steel tube (CFST) would
be unable to. Due to its superior fire and corrosion resistance, stainless steels are used as a structural member in
various constructions. This paper presents a detailed experimental and numerical study on the compressive behavior of
concrete filled stainless steel tubular columns subjected to concentric loading. Hollow stainless tubes are also studied
for comparison. Numerical models are developed using general purpose finite element (FE) software ABAQUS and
have been validated using the experimental data of the present study as well as recently published test results. The FE
models predict the experimental load-deformation behavior, ultimate strength and failure modes with good accuracy.
Once the FE model is validated, the numerical results are compared with the existing conventional carbon steel design
code/guidelines and developed a prediction formula for CFSST columns.