Vol. 21, No. 6, pp. 520-529 (2025)
PARAMETRIC STUDIES ON BENDING CAPACITY OF MECHANICAL
JOINTS USING CONCRETE-FILLED STEEL TUBES
Vay Siu Lo 1, 2 and Canh Tuan Nguyen 1, 2, *
1 Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT)
2 Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
*(Corresponding author: E-mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Received: 14 February 2025; Revised: 13 June 2025; Accepted: 15 June 2025
DOI:10.18057/IJASC.2025.21.6.5
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ABSTRACT
This study aimed to conduct an in-depth analysis of mechanical joints using a Concrete-Filled Steel Tube (CFST) for steel tube structures under bending. A series of parametric analyses were performed using finite element models. A conventional theory of CFST structures was applied to calculate the bending resistance of the joint. A key finding of this research was the equivalent strut-tie model to determine the local acting forces in the joint. The internal stress distribution within the concrete core was investigated to define effective areas for the components in compression and tension. Based on analysis results, this study proposed design proportions for the length-to-diameter ratio and the thickness ratio between the connecting steel tube and the main steel tubes. The influence of concrete strength, reinforcement ratios, and the use of shear connectors to prevent slip on the load-bearing capacity were also successfully examined. These findings are critical for simplifying construction practices and optimizing joint performance that might enable more effective and efficient use of CFST in various structural applications. This research revealed the potential of such innovative joint designs to significantly improve the construction method that requires rapid, reliable, and cost-effective solutions.
KEYWORDS
Bending capacity, Circular steel tube, Concrete-filled steel tube, Mechanical joint, Steel bridge
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