Numerical Modelling of the Behavior of Steel-Concrete Composite Columns of Different Types of Circular Cross Section Subject to Lateral Impact

Concrete filled steel tube (CFST) column is an important type of structural member and its protective design is essential to enhance its structural performance under various dynamic loads. In accordance to Abdel Rahim [1], the previously carried out studies on CFST columns tried to determine how to improve their structural response under various loadings, such as axial compression, lateral impact, blast, seismic, etc. Apart from investigations on transverse impact loading, the majority of the other studies on CFST under various loads established solutions and protective measures. Therefore, the departure point for this short communication is the need to improve the performance of CFST under transverse impact loads. The study carried out by Zhao et al. [2] shows considerable residual displacement magnitudes after impact. Retaining the geometrical properties, boundary conditions, loading conditions and type of numerical analysis employed in that investigation, this short communication proposes novel designs in terms of cross-sectional configuration and smart materials to be applied on the specimens tested by Wang et al. [3], to improve the performance of CFST columns under lateral impact loading namely reducing their strength degradation under impact, increasing their energy dissipation capacity, reducing the damage to the steel tubes and concrete fill and reducing the residual and maximum displacements.