Finite element analysis of circular concrete filled tube connections

• A parametric study based on finite element technique is performed to investigate the performance of different connection configurations between circular concrete filled steel tube (CCFT) columns and gusset plates subjected to axial compression loadings.
• The study focuses on the effect of the pipe and gusset plate dimensions on the connection behavior.
• A notable effect was observed on the behavior of the connections due to its detailing changes with respect to failure mode, yield and ultimate capacity, stress distribution and initial and final stiffness.
• All CCFT connection details have high sensitivity to the pipe diameter since all their properties increase considerably as the pipe diameter increases by a rate depending on the pipe size and the connection configuration.
• The compressive strength of concrete does not have remarkable influence on the different characteristics of the connection.

A parametric study based on finite element technique is performed to investigate the performance of different connection configurations between circular concrete filled steel tube (CCFT) columns and gusset plates subjected to axial compression loadings. The study focuses on the effect of the pipe and gusset plate dimensions on the connection behavior. The modeling assumptions and techniques used to perform the analysis are detailed. The models are verified using experimental test data performed earlier by the authors. A notable effect was observed on the behavior of the connections due to its detailing changes with respect to failure mode, yield and ultimate capacity, stress distribution and initial and final stiffness.