Tests on stub stainless steel–concrete–carbon steel double-skin tubular (DST) columns

A new type of composite member, a stainless steel–concrete–carbon steel double-skin tubular (DST) column, is introduced in this paper. This composite member is expected to combine the advantages of all three types of materials, and have additional advantages of esthetics and resistance to corrosion that outer stainless steel offers. A series of tests are performed to investigate the performance of the composite column, and a total of 80 specimens were tested. The main parameters of the tests are the sectional type (circular, square, round-end rectangular and elliptical), the column type (straight, inclined and tapered), and the hollow ratio of the composite section (from 0.5 to 0.75). The results show that all types of columns behaved in a ductile manner, and the mechanical behavior is similar to those columns with double carbon steel tubes. A simplified model for the prediction of the stainless steel–concrete–carbon steel double-skin tubular (DST) columns cross-sectional strengths is suggested as well.

Research highlights
► Stainless steel–concrete–carbon steel double-skin tubular (DST) section suggested.
► 80 specimens investigated influence of sectional type, column type and hollow ratio.
► Simplified method for sectional strength prediction provided.