Experimental investigation on residual capacity of square steel-reinforced concrete-filled steel tubular columns after fire

PurposeSteel-reinforced concrete-filled steel tubular (SRCFST) columns have been increasingly popular in engineering practice for the columns' excellent seismic and fire performance. Significant design progress guidance has been made through continuous numerical and experimental research in recent years. This paper tested and analysed the residual loading capacity of SRCFST columns under axial loading after experiencing non-uniform ISO-834 standard fire.Design/methodology/approachThe experimental research covered the main parameter of heating conditions, 1-side and 2-side fire, through two specimens. Two specimens were heated and loaded simultaneously in the furnace for 240 min. After cooling, the columns were moved to the hydraulic loading system and loaded to failure to determine the columns' residual capacity.FindingsThe experimental results indicated that the non-uniform heating area plays an essential role in the overall performance of SRCFST columns, the increasing heating area of columns results in lower residual loading capacity and stiffness. The SRCFST columns still had a high loading capacity after heating and loading in the fire.Originality/valueThe comparison of experimental data against design results showed that the design method generated a 16% safety margin for S2H4 and a 39% safety margin for S1H4.