Modelling, verification and investigation of behaviour of circular CFST columns

This paper is an attempt to provide a detailed procedure for the finite element modelling and simulation of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns subjected to axial compression using the commercial software package ANSYS 12. A modified material model for modelling the concrete core is described and explained. Composite action is modelled between the concrete core and the steel tube and the procedure is presented with the recommended properties for modelling such behaviour. The proposed model is then validated by comparing its numerical results with selected experimental results available in the literature. The proposed model is used to investigate numerically the load transfer mechanism of CFST columns filled with different grades of concrete in order to study the effect of this parameter - i.e. compressive strength of concrete core - on the load transfer mechanism in such columns. Further, the proposed model has been employed for investigating the confining pressure provided by the steel tube on the concrete core along the length of the CFST column.