Nonlinear analysis of circular concrete-filled steel tubular short columns under eccentric loading

This paper presents an effective theoretical model for the nonlinear inelastic analysis of circular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) short columns under eccentric loading. Accurate material constitutive relationships for normal and high strength concrete confined by either normal or high strength circular steel tubes are incorporated in the theoretical model to account for confinement effects that increase both the strength and ductility of concrete. The predicted ultimate bending strengths and complete moment–curvature responses of circular CFST columns under eccentric loading are compared with existing experimental results to examine the accuracy of the theoretical model developed. The fundamental behavior of circular CFST beam–columns with various diameter-to-thickness ratios, concrete compressive strengths, steel yield strengths, axial load levels and sectional shapes is studied using the verified theoretical model. Based on extensive numerical studies, a new design model for determining the ultimate pure bending strengths of circular CFST beam–columns is proposed. The theoretical model and formulas developed are shown to be effective simulation and design tools for the nonlinear inelastic behavior of circular CFST beam–columns under eccentric loading.