Finite element analysis of CFT columns subjected to an axial compressive force and bending moment in combination

It is shown that the steel tubes can provide a good confining effect on the concrete core when the axial compressive force is large. The confining effect of a square CFT stiffened by reinforcing ties is stronger than that of the same square CFT without stiffening ties but weaker than that of a circular CFT. Nevertheless, when the spacing of reinforcing ties is small, a CFT with a square section might possibly achieve the same confining effect as one with a circular section.