Analysis of Thin-Walled Steel Sections Filled with Concrete Using Non-Linear Finite Element Method

Being economical and performing well under cyclic loads, steel sections filled with concrete have been widely used in structural buildings. Extensive studies and experiments have been conducted to investigate the influence of different parameters and loadings on the behavior of these structural components. Based on the data available from previous experiments and studies, this paper discusses the behavior of composite columns. The results of 3D-non-linear finite element analysis of thin-walled steel sections filled with concrete are presented. Lastly, comparisons are made between results from finite element analysis and experimental data available about the specimens. Using a trial and error method, the finite element model was calibrated and was used to evaluate the capacity of specimens that were not tested in the laboratory. The capacities of the sections were calculated based on the LRFD design method. The results are compared to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method. Because of the increase in the use of high strength materials in structures, the effects of increase in concrete and steel strengths on the behavior of composite columns are discussed in this paper. Also the effects that the change in the thickness of the steel shell may have on the behavior of composite columns are argued.