Contribution of Fill-Concrete Compressive Strength on the Structural Performance of CFSST Columns: An Analytical Study

Abstract

High-rise structures are a significant indication in contemporary urban improvement, mainly in areas characterized by accelerated urban growth and dense population. This type of building should be designed to withstand severe load conditions. Therefore, using composite structural elements in such structures is required for stronger and durable elements. This paper introduces a finite element analysis model for Concrete Filled Stainless Steel Tubular Columns (CFSST) of (100x100) mm cross-section and (1250) mm length to inspect the impact of concrete compressive strength on the response of (CFSST). The generated model was first evaluated through a comprehensive comparison with experimental research. Then, after the model was used to study the considered parameter, namely, concrete compressive strength. A wide range of concrete compressive strengths was included (45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75) MPa. FE results indicated that the CFSST columns' ultimate strength is directly proportional to the fill-concrete compressive strength. The optimum gained load capacity was (416 kN) when the concrete strength was 75MPa. The modification of increasing fill-concrete compressive strength extended to include the stiffness, toughness, and the yield load to be (89, 38.9, and 64 %), respectively, as the strength increased to 75MPa. The response improvement didn’t include the ductility index. A reduction in the ductility index was observed as the filled-concrete compressive strength increased, reaching 15.4% when the compressive strength reached 65 MPa. This reduction remains constant, even though the compressive strength increases (from 70 to 75 MPa).