Axial Cyclic Testing of Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Columns in Diagrid Structures

Abstract

Inclined concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns in a diagrid structure system can efficiently carry large vertical loads and horizontal forces. This paper presents an experimental study of the stress characteristics of engineered inclined CFST columns under axial cyclic loading. Ten specimens were tested, including two hollow steel tube (HST) columns and eight CFST columns, and the influences of loading scheme, aspect ratio, concrete strength, and steel ratio were examined. The seismic behaviours were investigated, including mechanical behaviour, failure modes and hysteretic curves, and ductility, and the interaction between the steel tube and concrete was examined as well. Better ductility and energy dissipation capacity are achieved in the tension direction, whereas higher bearing capacity and stiffness are achieved in the compression direction. Compared with hollow steel tube columns, the supporting effect of concrete on the steel tube for CFST columns in tension and the restraining effect of the steel tube on concrete for CFST columns in compression ensure higher capacity, deformability, and energy dissipation capacity.