Behavioural Studies On Hollow Double Skinned Steel

Concrete Composite Columns

www.engineeringcivil.com/behavioural-studies-on-hollow-double-skinned-steel-concrete.html

Research Paper by N.Balasubramanian,R.B.Karthika and Dr.R.Thenmozhi

Government College Of Technology, Coimbatore-641 013, India

ABSTRACT
This paper comprises of the experimental study of eight double skinned concrete filled
steel tubular (DSCFT ) beam columns of concentrically placed circular sections filled with
self compacting concrete. Tests on the specimens were made by applying eccentric
loads. The main experimental parameters for beam-columns were slenderness ratio and
load eccentricity. Testing of specimens investigates the behaviour on load deflection,
confinement effect, and the strength of the columns. The experimental observations were
shown by load-deflection curves. Various characteristics such as strength, stiffness,
ductility and failure mode are discussed. The predicted load versus deformation
relationships are in good agreement with beam-column test results. The DSCFT columns
in-filled with SCC show good strength and ductility. Modified equations are suggested to
find the ultimate compressive strength of DSCFT columns filled with SCC.

Keywords : Composite; Double skinned concrete filled steel tubular columns; D/t
thickness, fabrication and casting, load deflection, ductility.

LIST OF NOTATIONS

f CK Characteristic compressive strength of concrete

SCC Self compacting concrete

C Confinement factor

fy Yield strength of steel

fsyi Yield strength of the inner steel tube
Yield strength of the outer steel tube
fsyo

W/C Water cement ratio

C.F Compacting factor

L Effective length of the column

Nue Experimental ultimate load

Nuo Theoretical ultimate load

SI Strength index

DI Ductility index

Ac, As Area of concrete and steel tube, respectively

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 Asc Cross-sectional area of the composite section (=Aso + Ac + Asi)

Asco Cross-sectional area of the outer steel tube and the sandwiched concrete
(=Aso + Ac)

Asi Cross-sectional area of the inner steel tube

Aso Cross-sectional area of the outer steel tube

D Outside diameter of column

NEC4 Ultimate axial load of composite column

to Thickness of outer steel tube

ti Thickness of inner steel tube

DSCFT Double skinned Concrete-filled steel tube

CHS Circular hollow section

Di Dia. of inner steel tube

Do Dia. of outer steel tube

Nue Experimental ultimate strength

Nuo Predicted ultimate strength from theoretical model

X Hollow section ratio, (Di/(Do-2to))

^ Slenderness ratio (=L/i )

i Radius of gyration of CFDST =(Isc/Asc) 1/2

Isc Second moment of area for CFDST cross-section

1.INTRODUCTION
Cold-formed steel tubular structures are being increasingly used for structural
applications. This is due to the aesthetic appearance, high corrosion resistance, ease of
maintenance and ease of construction. Hollow columns consisting of two concentric
circular thin steel tubes with filler between them have been investigated for different
applications. Figure 1 shows the hollow cold formed steel column.

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In composite construction, the concrete and steel are combined in such a fashion that the
advantages of both the materials are utilized effectively in composite column. The lighter
weight and higher strength of steel permit the use of smaller and lighter foundations. The
subsequent concrete addition enables the building frame to easily limit the sway and
lateral deflections. Hollow column has less self weight and a high flexural stiffness and
hence its usage in seismic zone proves promising. It reduces requirements on labor and
construction time and maintains the construction quality.

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Principle of concrete filled steel composite columns:

Local buckling of the steel tube is delayed by in-filled concrete, steel confines the
concrete, concrete in turn prevents the local buckling of hollow steel sections, both due
to the restraining effect of the concrete and it also increases the strength and ductility of
the section.
SOME APPLICATIONS OF DSCFT COLUMNS
Submerged tube tunnels, nuclear containment, liquid and gas retaining structures, blast
resistant shelter sea-bed vessels, legs of offshore platforms in deep water, large diameter
columns , structures subjected to ice loading, high-rise bridge piers, light weight
structures to possess enormous energy absorption capacity against earthquake loading.

PROGRESSIVE LOAD RESISTING CONCEPT OF CONCRETE FILLED TUBULAR

COLUMNS (14)
It is the opinion of the many researchers that at the initial stage, the applied load is
resisted individually by the steel and concrete elements. That too, the steel sustains
larger part of the loading, until yielding. At the early stages of increment of loads, the
poison’s ratio of concrete lies far below than that of the steel; whereas, steel tube causes
no confinement on the concrete. With the increase in the longitudinal strain beyond a
particular stage, an increase in the poison’s effect in the concrete attains, as a result of
lateral expansion of the concrete. At this stage, the longitudinal and hoop stresses in the
steel plate are becoming equal. Steel plate is bi-axially stressed and concrete being tri-
axially stressed the expansion of the concrete takes place more than that of the steel. It
is followed by the redistribution of load from concrete to outer steel mainly. At this stage,
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the steel shows hardening character similar to uniaxial stress-strain hardening.

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2. FABRICATION OF COLUMN STEEL TUBES

Steel pipes of different diameter are cut to same height. The two pipes of same height
are to be held concentrically by and welded by permanent spacers (welding rods) at both
ends. It is used as spacers, connecting both the pipes. These are placed on the plain
metal sheet for concrete to be casted into them. The summary of the composite column
details is given in Table 1
Table 1 Summary of the composite column details

Identity Do (mm) Di(mm) to (mm) ti (mm) L (mm) Grade X ^ N

DS-140-78-300 140 78 2.03 1.63 300 M30 0.57 5 3

DS-140-78-500 140 78 2.03 1.63 500 M30 0.57 8 3

DS-114-78-300 114 78 2.03 1.63 300 M30 0.71 8.3 3

DS-114-78-500 114 78 2.03 1.63 500 M30 0.71 13.8 3

DS-78-38-300 78 38 2.03 1.63 300 M30 0.51 7.5 3

DS-78-38-500 78 38 2.03 1.63 500 M30 0.51 12.5 3

Figure.2 Fabrication of Pipes-

Cutting

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Figure.3 Fabrication of Pipes welding

3. CASTING OF TEST SPECIMENS

The self compacting concrete mix used was prepared by mixing the ingredients of
measured quantity as given in this table 2 for the desired grade of M30.

Table 2 Mix proportions

Ingredients for M30 grade

Sl.No Material

1 Cement (kg/m3 ) 225

2 Fine aggregate (kg/m3 ) 972

3 Coarse aggregate (kg/m3 ) 708

4 Fly ash (kg/m3 ) 225

5 Conplast Sp430 (kg/m 3 ) 3.6

6 Glenium Stream2 (kg/m3 ) 1.35

7 W/Cm (Cm=C+FA) 0.39

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Self Compacting Concrete of 1: 1.39
: 3.1 with w/c ratio of 0.5 of coarse
aggregate with maximum size of 6
mm. The companion specimens of
three cubes, three prismatic and
three cylindrical specimens were
made and tested for arriving at the
grade of concrete. During
preparation of the test specimens,
Self Compacting Concrete was
pored for filling the annular space
between the two concentric steel
tubes. For proper filling of the
specimens in the annular space, the
self compaction was keenly
monitored from spilling of the
concrete which occurred
simultaneously on the circumference
of the each of the specimen section.
The excess spilled concrete was
then neatly and gently cleaned and
the specimens were cured for 28
days in controlled humid condition.
The specimens were wiped dry and
cleaned. The top and bottom
surfaces of concrete were inspected for level surface. A slight shrinkage of concrete
around 1 to 2mm was noted and the same was filled with plaster of paris, at least three
days prior to the testing of the specimens. Painting specimens is done for enabling easy
identification of failure pattern. Then, the specimens were subjected to testing.

SPECIMEN DESCRIPTIONS
The specimens are labeled in a fashion that the first two alphabets describe the number
of steel sheaths used were double (DSCFT).There are three numbers followed by the
first two alphabets. Out of which, the first number indicates the outer diameter of the steel
tubes, second number on the right, indicates the inner diameter of the steel tubes, third
number on the right indicates the length of the steel tubes used.

4.TEST SETUP AND PROCEDURE

The entire tests were carried out using 1000 kN electronic universal testing machine. The
DSCFT column specimens were hinged at both ends. The specimens were kept at the
eccentricity of (e/b=0.2) from the center. This setup is made to achieve eccentricity of the
applied load. The test arrangement and instrumentation are shown in Figure 6. An initial
load of about 5 KN was applied to hold the specimen to the plumb line. Magnetic type dial
gauges were used to measure the deflections at mid span and at 0.2height of the
specimens from the end.
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Eccentric compressive load was applied with an increment of 10KN. Each load is kept for
around 2 minutes. For each load increment, the deformations were recorded. All
specimens were subjected to load up to failure. Each specimen consumed almost 30
minutes for testing. Figure 7 shows the prepared specimens at the loading state.

5.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

5.1 Failure Mode

Almost all columns fail in the same pattern of overall buckling and local buckling of outer
steel plate in compression flange in the vicinity of mid height leads the failure. It was
followed by the further propagation of local buckling at a distance of almost at equal to
the outer diameter of the specimen. It was found that because of the infill of concrete, the
tested beam-columns behaved in a relatively ductile manner and testing proceeded in a

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smooth and controlled way. The enhanced structural behavior of the composite
specimens can be explained in terms of ‘‘composite action’’ between the steel tubes and
the filled SCC concrete.

Table 3 Geometrical properties of the specimens

Specimen ID Di Do L L/Do ^ X fck Fy Do/to Di/ti to/ti

(mm) (mm) (mm) (Mpa) (Mpa)

DS-140-78- 78 140 500 2.1 5 0.57 30 250 68.97 47.85 1.25

500

DS-140-78- 78 140 300 3.6 8 0.57 30 250 68.97 47.85 1.25

300

DS-114-78- 78 114 500 2.6 8.3 0.71 30 250 56.16 47.85 1.25
500

DS-114-78- 78 114 300 4.4 13.8 0.71 30 250 56.16 47.85 1.25
300

DS-78-38-500 38 78 500 3.8 7.5 0.51 30 250 38.42 47.85 1.25

DS-78-38-300 38 78 300 6.4 12.5 0.51 30 250 38.42 47.85 1.25

Table 4 Details of specimen with their properties and strength of concrete

Specimen ID Ultimate PEC4 COV SI CF ACI CODE and AS CODE with

load CF
(kN)
(kN) (kN)

DS-140-78- 476 442 0.93

500 1.08 1.09

566

DS-140-78- 465 442 0.95 1.05 1.09 566

300

DS-114-78- 385 320 0.83 1.20 1.95 396

500

DS-114-78- 353 320 0.91 1.10 1.95 396

300

DS-78-38-500 273 199 0.73 1.36 1.77 248

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 DS-78-38-300 235 199 0.85 1.18 1.77 248

5.2 Behaviour Of Columns

This section reports the discussion of test data. To have a comparative study of the
failure of HCC columns, their behaviour was studied with respect to local buckling,
formation and development of cracks, crushing of compression concrete and yielding of
tension steel.

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5.3 Variation Of Load With Deflection

Deflections of the specimens at the centre are shown with the applied load P. The load
versus corresponding deflection curves were drawn for M30 grade concrete columns and
are shown in Figures 8. These diagrams give a better picture of the behaviour of
columns. The deflection of all the composite columns increased linearly with the applied
load P upto the yield point. Beyond that for a very small increment of load, the beam
showed large deformation. The load deflection response curves show that a fairly ductile
response was obtained with large deflections being achieved in the inelastic region. The
load versus Mid-deflection curves were drawn for M30 grades are shown in fig 9.

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5.4 Modes Of Failure
Various failure patterns of hollow columns are in the following figures. In Figure.10
Elephant foot and lateral buckling failure of hollow column are shown. In Figure.11 Local
buckling of steel plates are shown. In Figure.12 Kink failure pattern is shown. In
Figure.13 Folding of plates in hollow column are shown.

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5.5 Theoretical Model
Hollow columns are clearly intermediate between steel and reinforced concrete columns.
However, the design philosophy for each of these two structural members is
fundamentally different. Steel columns are treated as concentric in that they are loaded
through their centroids, but with due allowances being made for residual stresses, initial
out of straightness and slight eccentricities of the load. The basis of the design of steel
column is instability or buckling, and any moment which act at the ends of the column are
then incorporated by reducing the axial load by way of an interaction equation.

The approach for RC Columns is quite different than that for steel columns in that the
loads are considered to be eccentric to the centroid. The failure is generally, but not
always, attributable to cross- section, material failure, and is based on interaction curve
as in IS- 456-2000.

Because of the similarity of hollow columns to both steel and concrete columns, there
has been a great deal of debate by researchers as to which approach should be adopted.
Short or stub columns are clearly governed by cross section failure, while long or slender

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columns are prone to buckling. Perhaps the most logical treatment to date is that
provided by Euro code. The behavior of hollow columns can best treated by a
combination of both approaches.

Table.5 Results of Theoretical Analysis

Identity Grade X ^ E Nue Nuo SI DI

DS-140-78-300 M30 0.57 5 1.09 476 452 1.127 0.660

DS-140-78-500 M30 0.57 8 1.09 465 447 1.123 0.646

DS-114-78-300 M30 0.71 8.3 1.95 385 327 1.223 0.801

DS-114-78-500 M30 0.71 13.8 1.95 353 322 1.154 0.737

DS-78-38-300 M30 0.51 7.5 1.77 273 201 1.281 0.676

DS-78-38-500 M30 0.51 12.5 1.77 235 197 1.209 0.758

6.CONCLUSIONS
The following points were concluded from the experimental works carried out:

• The SCC of required characteristic strength is found after trial and error procedure.

• The fresh and hardened concrete tests are performed to determine the rheoplastic
properties and the strength properties of concrete.

• The buckling failure can be avoided and the load carrying capacity can be increased by
lowering the slenderness ratio for hollow columns and RC columns.

• It was observed from the tests, that the failure modes of the hollow composite columns
depend on slenderness ratio. When the slenderness ratio is very less, the column fails
due to yielding of steel and crushing of concrete under direct compression. When
slenderness ratio is large, the column fails by elastic buckling.

• The deflection is low where L/r ratio is 5. The deflection rate considerably increased
when L/r ratio is 13.8 compared with other ratios.

• By increasing the hollowness ratio, the load carrying capacity increases but with the
larger Di/tsi ratio, the failure is due to buckling, so the hollowness ratio should be kept
between 0 and 0.8.

• The strength index, confinement factor and ductility index decreases with increase in D/t
ratio (i.e. the composite action of steel tube and core concrete becomes smaller). Hence
D/t ratio should be minimum.

• For the increase of slenderness ratio by 3 the ultimate load decreases by 10.5%.
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We are thankful to Sir R.B.KARTHIKA for publishing his research work here on
engineeringcivil.com.We hope this research paper will help many civil engineers around
the world in understanding the behavior of Hollow Double Skinned Steel Concrete
Composite Columns.

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