This paper presents the numerical part of the research program on concrete-filled steel columns. Nonlinear, three dimensional FE analysis of axial compression, was conducted using the finite element program ABAQUS. The numerical results were validated through comparison with experimental data in terms of ultimate loading and deformation modes. Modeling related problems such as the definition of boundary conditions, imperfections, concrete-steel interaction, material representation and others are investigated using a comprehensive parametric study. The developed FE models will be used for an enhanced interpretation of experiments and for the predictive study of cases not included in the experimental testing.

The study investigates the axial load behaviour of concrete filled battened steel columns not covered by the design standards. A series of full scale tests on two I-sections connected together with intermediate batten plates and filled with concrete were carried out. The main parameters varied in the tests are length of the members and strength of the concrete filling. One bare steel member was also tested and results were compared with those filled with concrete. The tests results were illustrated by load-strain curves. The main objectives of these tests were twofold: first, to describe behaviour of new steel-concrete columns and second, to analyze the influence of slenderness on load-carrying capacity.

The growth in high-rise building construction has increased the need for hybrid reinforced concrete and steel structural systems. Columns in buildings are the most important elements because of their seismic resistance. Reinforced concrete (RC) columns and steel columns were used herein to form hybrid structural systems combining their distinct advantages. Eleven 3D building models subjected to earthquake excitation with reinforced concrete beams and slabs of 12 floors in height and with different distributions of mixed columns were analyzed by the SAP2000 software in order to investigate the most suitable distributions of a combination of reinforced concrete and steel columns. Top displacements and accelerations, base normal forces, base shear forces, and base bending moments were computed to evaluate the selected hybrid structural systems. The findings are helpful in evaluating the efficiency of the examined hybrid high-rise buildings in resisting earthquakes.