Performance of reinforced concrete-filled steel tubular (RCFST) members subjected to transverse impact loading

Reinforced concrete-filled steel tubular (RCFST) members possess excellent load-bearing properties and fire resistance, have been applied in a range of practical engineering projects. In addition to static seismic loads, RCFST may also be subjected transverse impact such as those from vehicle/vessel collisions terrorist attacks. An experimental numerically study into the dynamic behaviour is therefore focus present paper. Nine specimens were tested using drop-weight setup, instantaneous force deformation states recorded. A finite element model was established, considering strain rate effects, validated against test results. Parametric studies then conducted which effects material selection, cross-section characteristics, specimen scale conditions analysed. Finally, design proposals for under loading are presented.