Experimental and numerical studies of short concrete-filled double skin composite tube columns under axially compressive loads

This paper presents a study on the performance of concrete-filled double skin composite tube columns (CFDSCT) under axially compressive loads using both experimental and numerical methods. The CFDSCT column investigated consists of an octagonal steel tube as its outer skin layer, a circle PVC-U pipe as its inner skin layer, and high strength concrete filled in between the two layers. Influences of concrete strength, radius-to-thickness ratio, hollow section ratio, and slenderness ratio on the ultimate axial compressive capacity of the CFDSCT column are examined. It is found that the ultimate axial compressive capacity of the CFDSCT column increases with the strength of concrete, but decreases with either increased radius-to-thickness ratio or increased hollow section ratio. Based on the findings from the present experimental and numerical studies, a design formula for predicting the ultimate load of the CFDSCT column is proposed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.