Analysis of perforated corrugated steel columns subjected to bilateral cyclic loading

Abstract

This research unveils numerical analysis of corrugated-shaped steel columns (CSCs) with perforations during seismic events. Using ABAQUS software, 34 tests were examined under constant and bilateral cyclic loads. Varying parameters involved numbers and levels of perforations, corrugation geometries, and steel thickness. Findings exhibited a favorable performance of CSCs with six corrugated geometries as compared with ones with four corrugated geometries. The enhancement in load capacities and ductility were reported at 25–32% and 40%, respectively. CSCs were seen most vulnerable to experience load capacity deterioration when perforations were located in the lower quarter zone of height. The maximum corresponding decline exceeded 30% among tests having all corrugated geometry faces perforated. Local buckling failure in the lower quarter zone was dominant in most cases with severe deformation observed by the presence of perforations in such zone. Increasing the steel thickness of CSCs improved load capacities satisfactorily and shifted the local buckling to outward buckling, and controlling the failure patterns. This research emphasizes the need for perforations in such innovative cross-section steel columns to play as service conducing area and cost-effective factor. The research also provides applicable solutions to optimize the structural behavior of CSCs and maintain safer design during seismic incidents.