Numerical simulation of concrete filled steel tube columns against BLAST loads

• A numerical model is developed to predict the structural responses of CFST columns.
• The pressure–time histories recorded from the blast tests are compared to the numerical predictions.
• Good agreement is achieved between the test results and the numerical predictions.

Concrete filled steel tubes (CFST) have been widely used in constructing high-rise buildings, arch bridges and factories for the past few decades. In this research, numerical studies were carried out to investigate the flexural behaviour of CFST columns under both static and dynamic loads. The numerical models were calibrated and validated against a number of experimental data where the proposed models showed very good agreement with the test results. The results indicated that CFST columns showed good resistance against flexural loads under both static and dynamic loading conditions and therefore it has the potential to be widely used in these areas where potential blast attacks or frequent earthquakes are expected. The verified numerical model can also be extended to predict performances of concrete-infilled steel tubes under different loading conditions.