Axial compression performance of concrete filled double skin (SHS outer and CHS inner) steel tubular columns strengthened by CFRP

Abstract

This paper reports the compressive behavior of concrete-filled double skin steel tubular (CFDST) columns strengthened by CFRP under axial loading. The outer skin was made of square hollow sections (SHS), while the inner skin was made of circular hollow sections (CHS). Twelve CFDST columns strengthened by CFRP and three CFDST columns were tested. The failure mode, load-displacement relationship, axial load-carrying capacity and initial stiffness are given and analyzed. The results showed that the CFDST columns strengthened by CFRP have better mechanical properties than the column without CFRP reinforcement (i.e. the CFDST columns). The CFDST columns strengthened by CFRP eventually failed due to CFRP rupture or buckling of the external steel tube near the end and cracked concrete damage from the outer steel tube. The stiffness and axial load bearing capacity of the column can be improved as the number of CFRP layers increases. A simplified design formula of CFDST columns strengthened by CFRP is proposed, which is in good agreement with the experimental results.