Assessment of current methods for the design of composite columns in buildings

Abstract

This paper presents the design assessment of encased I-sections and concrete filled composite columns based on the approaches given in Eurocode 4: Part 1.1, BS 5400: Part 5 and AISC LRFD. This includes studies on the design parameters, comparison of the nominal strength predicted by the three codes and comparison of the predicted strengths with the available test results. In some cases, results obtained from the above three codes may vary considerably. This is because of the different design considerations adopted in these codes. However, the design methods are found to be mostly conservative when compared with the test results. Eurocode 4: Part 1.1 has major factors in its favour in terms of its comprehensiveness and wide scope of application. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.