Initial stiffness and moment capacity assessment of stainless steel composite bolted joints with concrete-filled circular tubular columns

This paper numerically assesses the initial stiffness and moment capacity of stainless steel composite bolted joints with concrete-filled circular tubular (CFCT) columns. By comparing with existing design codes including EN 1993-1-8 and AS/NZS 2327, a modified component method was proposed to better predict the flexural performance of joints involving circular columns and curved endplates. The modification was verified with independent experimental results. A wide range of finite element models were then developed to investigate the elastic deformations of column face in bending which contribute to the corresponding stiffness coefficient. A new design formula defining the stiffness coefficient of circular column face in bending was proposed through regression analysis. Results suggest that a factor for the stiffness coefficient of endplate in bending should be reduced to 0.68, and more contribution of prying forces needs to be considered. The modified component method and proposed formula are able to estimate the structural behaviour with reasonable accuracy. They are expected to be incorporated into the current design provisions as supplementary for beam-to-CFCT column joints.