Behaviour of Concrete-Filled Aluminium Columns with Curved Sections

Abstract

The structural performances of concrete-filled aluminium tubular (CFAT) stub columns with curved sections subjected to axial compression are studied using finite element modelling in the present investigation. The nonlinear properties of concrete and aluminium materials, along with the interactions among their components, are all taken into consideration while generating the finite element models. For concrete-filled aluminium tube columns with circular and rectangular sections, Zhou and Young (2008, 2009) obtained experimental ultimate strengths and load-axial strain relationships that is compared to the results obtained by finite element model. Various parametric analyses on essential materials and geometric features have been performed employing the validated finite element models. The mode of failure, load axial displacement relationship, and ultimate strength are investigated. The parametric investigation specimens are divided into four groups that present the influence of different parameters on the behaviour of a concert filled with short aluminium columns, which are cross-section shapes, aluminium proof stress, concrete cylinder strength, and tube thickness. To analyse the effect of cross-section parameter, these three sections—circular, elliptical, and round-ended—have been examined through first group. In the second group normal and high strength aluminium alloy are used in the tubes. Normal and high strength concrete effect are analysed in the third group. 1.9, 3, 5 mm thickness are investigated in the fourth group. To prevent overall column buckling, the lengths of the columns were selected to ensure that the ratio of length to diameter was consistently maintained at an approximate value of 3. Due to the outcomes, the circular cross-section had the greatest ultimate strength and ductility, therefore being the most desirable cross-section. A clear enhancement in ultimate load with increasing the aluminium proof stress, concrete cylinder strength, and aluminium wall thickness.