Unified numerical model for performance analysis of various cross-sections of concrete-filled stainless-steel tubular stub columns under axial loading

This research presents a unified numerical model for analyzing the performance of concrete-filled stainless-steel tubular (CFSST) stub columns with different cross-sectional shapes. The model converts the cross-sections of the CFSST columns with various shapes into an equivalent circular column, and a new concrete constitutive relation is proposed to estimate the compressive strength of confined concrete of CFSST columns with different cross-sections. To simulate the axial load–strain curves of CFSST columns, a computer program is used that converts the various cross-sections of CFSST columns into equivalent circular columns. To validate the model, 196 tested columns with various cross-sections gathered from previous literature are used. The unified model proposed is found to be accurately predicting the performance of CFSST columns. The model is then used to investigate the effects of concrete, steel yield stress, and the depth-to-thickness ratio on the different radius ratios and aspect ratios of CFSST columns. A unified design formula is also suggested to calculate the ultimate strength of CFSST columns with various shapes, and the proposed simplified model is shown to provide a more accurate estimation when compared to existing design codes.