Numerical Behaviour of Composite K-Joints Subjected to Combined Loading and Corrosive Environment

Abstract

[EN] Concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) truss structures have been adopted in various infrastructures worldwide for past several decades. Application of CFST truss is more prevalent especially in areas where harsh marine condition with chloride corrosion limits the design life of structures. Design of joints is one of the most complicated issues in CFST truss structures; and it becomes more critical when corrosion causes section loss in the outer steel tube. Improved designs in terms of economy and durability need to be suggested based on rational research on composite K-joints in corrosive environment, whilst such research is very limited up until now. This paper thus attempts to study the behaviour of circular concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) K-joints under combined effect of long-term loading and corrosion. A finite element analysis (FEA) model is presented and verified against existing test results. The model is then utilized to perform mechanism analysis of CFST K-joints under varying loading and corrosion situations. Failure modes, detailed propagation of yield and stress distribution between the core concrete in chord and the tubular steel is investigated, based on which a favourable mode of failure is suggested in terms of maximum joint capacity. Finally, a full range analysis of the load-deformation characteristics is carried out for various corrosion situations, with the corresponding joint strength as well as ductility predicted.