Experimental study on seismic behavior of concrete filled steel tube columns under pure torsion and compression–torsion cyclic load

Based on the quasi-static test on eight CFST columns subjected to pure torsion and compression–torsion cyclic load, the torsion behavior of CFST columns with various section types, steel ratios and axial load levels was studied. The test results showed that the hysteretic curves of CFST columns under pure torsion and low compression–torsion cyclic load are very plump, which indicate that CFST columns have good seismic capacity. The unloading stiffness of CFST columns was equal to the initial elastic stiffness. The torsion capacity of CFST columns could be improved by the low compressive load, and the ductility was also good. But the torsion capacity of CFST columns would be reduced by the high compressive load. When CFST columns subjected to pure torsion, spiral diagonal compressive struts will be created in the in-filled concrete, and the axial components of the diagonal compressive force of the in-filled concrete was equal to the axial tensile force of the steel tube in order to satisfy the axial load equilibrium condition on the section, so the axial strain will be produced in the steel tube. The shear strain has good linear relationship with the rotation angle of the section when CFST columns subjected to pure torsion and compression–torsion combined action. Based on the test results and literatures available, the torsion mechanism of CFST columns was preliminarily analyzed.

► An experimental study on CFST columns under compression torsion was carried out.
► The failure modes and strain state of CFST columns under torsion were found.
► The torsion mechanism of CFST columns was analyzed based on the test results.