Eccentric performance of CFST columns jacketed with steel tube and sandwiched concrete

This study investigates the eccentric performance of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) stub columns strengthened with steel tube and sandwiched concrete (STSC) jackets. It was revealed that the STSC jacketing method effectively weakened the cracking of concrete in CFST columns on the convex side and the crash on the concave side. Substantial increases in the eccentric bearing capacities were demonstrated after strengthening. A numerical study was further conducted. The decrease in diameter-to-thickness ratio and increase in strength of outer tube contributed to increase in peak load of all components, whereas the increase in sandwiched concrete strength resulted in load increase on itself and had negligible effects on other components. The parametric study showed the effect of inner concrete strength on columns'bearing capacity was magnified after strengthening, whereas that of inner tube thickness was reduced. Within the parameters investigated, high-strength concrete and high-strength steel can be applied without the concern of early abrupt failure of inner low-strength concrete or steel tube.