A Database for Composite Columns

Abstract

A database of composite column tests was augmented and utilized to evaluate the proposed AISC 2005 provisions. The database consists of column and beam-column steel-concrete columns (or encased, SRC), circular concrete filled tubes (CCFT), and rectangular concrete filled tube (RCFT). Information on material and geometric properties on each specimen was summarized. The database includes 119 SRC columns, 136 SRC beam-columns, 312 circular CFT columns, 198 circular CFT beam-columns, 222 rectangular CFT columns and 194 rectangular CFT beam-columns. The database has a total of 1181 specimens, an addition of 451 specimens over those in the original database (Aho 1996). The data on each specimen was analyzed and compared with current design provision for composite columns (AISC 1999 and Eurocode 4), and reassessed by the upcoming 2005 AISC specification. The data indicates that the Eurocode gives good predictions for columns and the AISC 2005 method performs very well for beam-columns. For rectangular CFT columns, all three methods predict the ultimate capacity very well. The main improvement for the AISC 2005 method is its ability to handle specimens which have high yield stress and/or high strength concrete.