Concrete-filled circular steel tubes subjected to local bearing force: Finite element analysis

• Finite element analysis model of circular CFST members under local bearing force.
• Analytical behaviour of circular CFST members under local bearing force.
• Design recommendation for circular CFST members under local bearing force.

This paper presents a finite element analysis (FEA) of circular concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) members under local bearing forces applied either perpendicularly to the member or at an angle of 45°. The established FEA modeling was verified by the experimental results that have been published in an international journal. The FEA modeling was then used to perform analysis on the typical failure modes and full-range load-deformation relations of CFST subjected to local bearing forces. Finally, simplified formulae for calculating the strength of CFST under local bearing forces was presented. Practical guidance was also given to avoid premature local buckling of brace member and premature fracture of chord member.