Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910

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Journal of Constructional Steel Research

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Research on eccentric-compressive behaviour of steel-fiber-reinforced

recycled concrete-filled square steel tube short columns
Shuai Zong a, Yiyan Lu a, b, *, Wentao Ma a, Zhenzhen Liu a, b, Ping Li a
a
School of civil engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
b
Engineering Research Center of Building Structure Inspection and Strengthening Authorised the Ministry of National Education, Wuhan 430072, China

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: This study, a total of 25 specimens, aims to assess the influence of the mass replacement percentage of recycled
Construction and demolition wastes coarse aggregates (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), steel tube thickness (3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm), load eccentricity
Recycled concrete (0.10, 0.25, and 0.40), and volume fraction of steel fiber (0%, 0.6%, 1.2%, and 1.8%) on the eccentric-
Steel fiber
compressive behaviour of steel-fiber-reinforced recycled concrete-filled square steel tube short columns. The
Concrete-filled steel tube
Eccentric-compressive behaviour
post-peak mechanical behaviour, deformation ability, and energy consumption degrade with increasing mass
replacement of recycled coarse aggregate; the load eccentricity is detrimental to the ultimate compressive
strength and aggravates the lateral deflection; thicker steel tubes and the incorporation of steel fiber improve the
ultimate compressive strength, deformation ability, and energy consumption. Moreover, an incremental iteration
model is proposed to calculate the ultimate compressive strength of steel-fiber-reinforced recycled concrete-filled
square steel tube short columns under eccentric-compressive load. Compared to current codes, the predicted
values using the proposed model are close to experimental values and are inclined toward the safe side.

1. Introduction concrete structures.

A proper and practicable strategy is required to reduce environ­
mental pollution and demand for natural resources and solve the issue of
construction and demolition wastes (C&DW). Hence, recycled concrete
technology has become a popular topic recently [1,2]. Recycled aggre­
gates (RCA), obtained by sorting, crushing and sieving from C&DW,
totally or partially replace natural aggregates (NCA) to produce recycled
concrete, which in turn reduces the demand for natural resources [3].
However, compared to conventional concrete, recycled concrete has
inherent flaws [4–6]. For instance, Tabsh and Abdelfatah [7] indicated
that the loss in compressive strength of recycled concrete is approxi­
mately 10–40% and is dependent on the original compressive strength of
RCA. Wang et al. [8] reported that the compressive strength, elastic
modulus and splitting tensile strength of recycled concrete with a 100%
replacement rate of RCA decreased by 8.7–14.0%, 18.9–23.6%, and
12.6–26.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the chloride diffusion of recy­
cled concrete was much higher than that of normal concrete, which led
to a degradation in its durability; this degradation was more evident for
recycled fine aggregates than for RCA [9,10]. Therefore, recycled con­
crete is applied to noise barriers, pavement laying, and simple low-rise
Gebremariam et al. [11] proposed the methods of advanced dry re­
covery and heating air classification system for recycling end-of-life
concrete into aggregates to improve recycled concrete quality; Chang
et al. [12] demonstrated that laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and
cluster-based classification algorithms were used for the industrial se­
lection and quality control of recycled materials. On the other hand,
supplementary cementitious materials were selected to improve the
interfacial transition zones (ITZs), such as nano-silica suspension
[13,14], mineral powder [15–17], and fiber-reinforced coating layer
[18], which could react with Ca(OH)2 to form C-S-H gel and fill the voids
and pores of old cement mortar adhered RCA. Additionally, the method
of accelerated carbonation was applied to enhance the quality of RCA
[19,20].
Admittedly, practical operability is one of the crucial issues in con­
crete construction. The composite column structure is proposed,
combining recycled concrete and steel tubes. Although construction
technologies have been upgraded, practical engineering still does not
evade the common case of the eccentric-compressive load caused by
material defects, construction sequence, and geometrical irregularities.
Therefore, Yang and Han [21] conducted a series of tests on steel tubular

* Corresponding author at: School of civil engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
E-mail address: yylu901@163.com (Y. Lu).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2023.107910
Received 19 January 2023; Received in revised form 8 March 2023; Accepted 12 March 2023
Available online 4 April 2023
0143-974X/© 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
S. Zong et al. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910

columns with circular and square cross-sections, normal and recycled
aggregate concrete, and load eccentricity ratio from 0 to 0.53 on the
performance of such composite columns. Experimental results show that
the typical failure modes of recycled concrete-filled steel tube (RACFST)
columns are similar to those of the normal concrete-filled steel tube
(CFST) columns, but the ultimate strengths of the members with NAC,
attributed to the lower strength of RAC, were 1.7% to 9.1% and 1.4% to
13.5% higher than those of circular and square RACFST columns con­
taining 25% RCA and 50% RCA, respectively. However, the prismoid
compressive strength of RAC may float up due to the reduced actual
water-cement ratio [22,23]. Zhang et al. [24] studied and concluded
that as the load eccentricity increases from 0.25 to 0.50, the ultimate
compressive strength (Nu) of RACFST columns decreases by
22.9–25.9%. Load eccentricity exhibited a more negative impact on the
performance of RACFST than that of the replacement ratio and slen­
derness because the end bending moment increased proportionally to
the axial load and load eccentricity; moreover, the columns with circular
sections, owing to more effective confinement than square sections,
expressed a better plastic flow range. Chen et al. [25] thought the energy
consumption of RACFST columns was increased with the increasing load
eccentricity and limitedly impacted by the closing process of micro
cracks in recycled concrete. Xiang [26] verified that the increment in the
bearing capacity and the peak deflection of RACFST short columns could
reach 19.25% and 16.67%, respectively, owing to the stronger
confinement factor with increasing steel content.
Generally, creep and shrinkage are more evident in recycled concrete
than in conventional concrete [27,28], whereas fiber material can
reduce concrete creep and shrinkage and provide mechanical inter­
locking. This step guarantees the contact and bond behaviour between
the tube wall and core concrete during bearing applied load [29]. Steel
fiber benefits the flexural strength and toughness of concrete [30]. Be­
sides, the outer steel tube offers an airtight condition for core concrete,
refraining from harmful environmental factors, and creates triaxial
compressive stress conditions, delaying premature local buckling owing
to the presence of core concrete [21,31]. Therefore, Liu et al. [32] and
Zhang et al. [33] injected fiber-reinforced concrete into steel tubes to
improve the eccentric-compressive behaviour of tested columns. The
experiment results indicated that current codes conservatively evaluated
the actual compressive strengths of tested specimens.
However, there have been no studies on the eccentric-compressive
behaviour of steel-fiber-reinforced recycled concrete-filled square steel
tube (SFRACFST) short column. Therefore, 25 specimens were prepared
to address the following purposes: (1) to investigate the mechanical
behaviour and failure characteristics of SFRACFST square short columns
subjected to eccentric compression; (2) to assess the effect of tube
thicknesses (Ts), load eccentricity (Er), mass replacement percentage of
RCA (Rp), and volume fraction of steel fiber (Vsf) on the Nu and defor­
mation features; and (3) to propose an incremental iteration model for
predicting the Nu of SFRACFST square short column, considering the
replacement of RCA and the incorporation of steel fiber.
2. Test program
2.1. Parameters and levels
Twenty-five specimens were cast to investigate and measure their
eccentric-compressive behaviour. The parameters included steel tube
thickness (Ts), load eccentricity (Er), mass replacement percentage of
recycled coarse aggregates (Rp), and volume fraction of steel fiber (Vsf).
The Ts values were 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm. The Er included 0.10, 0.25,
and 0.40 (corresponding eccentric distances of applied load are 7.50
mm, 18.25 mm, and 30.00 mm, respectively). The Rp values were
selected as 0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% to keep a higher-level utilisation of
CD&W. The selected Vsf values were 0.0%, 0.6%, 1.2%, and 1.8% to
ensure mixture fluidity and workability. Table 1 lists the naming rules;
for instance, the term C40-T5-E2-R100-SF1.8 implies that the Ts, Er, Rp,
and Vsf values are 5 mm, 0.25 load eccentricity, 100% replacement of
RCA, and 1.8% volume fraction of steel fiber, respectively. All experi­
mental specimens were of uniform size: 150 mm × 150 mm × 475 mm
(length × width × height), as shown in Fig. 3.
2.2. Materials
2.2.1. Coarse and fine aggregates
In this study, gravel was selected as the natural coarse aggregate, and
the recycled coarse aggregates were sorted from demolition wastes and

Table 1
Experimental specimens and concrete components.*
Specimen ID Er Ts (mm) Components (kg/m3) Vsf fcu (MPa) Nu Δu (mm)
(%) (kN)
RA NA Sand Water FA P⋅O 42.5

C40-E1-T4-R100-SF0.0 0.10 4 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 0.0 34.4 1560.32 2.189
C40-E1-T4-R100-SF0.6 0.10 4 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 0.6 37.3 1618.47 2.374
C40-E1-T4-R100-SF1.2 0.10 4 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 1.2 40.9 1625.56 2.567
C40-E1-T4-R100-SF1.8 0.10 4 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 1.8 42.4 1713.07 2.805
C40-E2-T3-R100-SF0.0 0.25 3 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 0.0 34.4 1300.33 2.124
C40-E2-T3-R100-SF1.2 0.25 3 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 1.2 40.9 1436.86 2.641
C40-E2-T4-R00-SF0.0 0.25 4 0.0 810.0 788.8 178.0 164.0 382.0 0.0 43.1 1336.30 2.916
C40-E2-T4-R50-SF0.0 0.25 4 405.5 405.5 788.8 185.3 164.0 382.0 0.0 40.5 1342.43 2.614
C40-E2-T4-R50-SF0.6 0.25 4 405.5 405.5 788.8 185.3 164.0 382.0 0.6 43.8 1419.65 3.016
C40-E2-T4-R50-SF1.2 0.25 4 405.5 405.5 788.8 185.3 164.0 382.0 1.2 45.1 1457.08 3.324
C40-E2-T4-R50-SF1.8 0.25 4 405.5 405.5 788.8 185.3 164.0 382.0 1.8 46.0 1491.60 3.825
C40-E2-T4-R75-SF0.0 0.25 4 607.5 202.5 788.8 188.9 164.0 382.0 0.0 37.6 1438.41 2.587
C40-E2-T4-R75-SF0.6 0.25 4 607.5 202.5 788.8 188.9 164.0 382.0 0.6 40.4 1421.27 2.749
C40-E2-T4-R75-SF1.2 0.25 4 607.5 202.5 788.8 188.9 164.0 382.0 1.2 42.3 1494.01 3.131
C40-E2-T4-R75-SF1.8 0.25 4 607.5 202.5 788.8 188.9 164.0 382.0 1.8 43.7 1553.98 3.546
C40-E2-T4-R100-SF0.0 0.25 4 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 0.0 34.4 1418.49 2.344
C40-E2-T4-R100-SF0.6 0.25 4 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 0.6 37.3 1459.83 2.488
C40-E2-T4-R100-SF1.2 0.25 4 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 1.2 40.9 1503.51 2.955
C40-E2-T4-R100-SF1.8 0.25 4 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 1.8 42.4 1560.02 3.313
C40-E2-T5-R100-SF0.0 0.25 5 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 0.0 34.4 1565.34 2.734
C40-E2-T5-R100-SF1.2 0.25 5 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 1.2 40.9 1623.11 3.556
C40-E3-T4-R100-SF0.0 0.40 4 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 0.0 34.4 1298.87 2.679
C40-E3-T4-R100-SF0.6 0.40 4 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 0.6 37.3 1299.43 2.824
C40-E3-T4-R100-SF1.2 0.40 4 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 1.2 40.9 1361.46 3.277
C40-E3-T4-R100-SF1.8 0.40 4 810.0 0.0 788.8 192.5 164.0 382.0 1.8 42.4 1424.29 3.501
*
Polycarboxylate superplasticiser (0.35%) was also added to each group.

2
S. Zong et al.
crushed using a jaw crusher. Both aggregates were screened within the
particle size of 5–25 mm. Compared with natural coarse aggregate,
hardened cement mortars adhere to the surface of recycled coarse
aggregate, and numerous cavities, holes, and microcracks bestrew old
cement mortar, as shown in Fig. 1. Besides, the particle-size distribution
curves of natural and recycled coarse aggregate are plotted in Fig. 2.
Furthermore, the apparent density (ρa), crushing index (δ), and 30-
min water absorption (ω30min) were measured according to China
standard GB/T 25177–2011 [34] and GB/T 14685–2011 [35], and
measured values are recorded in Table 2. The ρa value of RCA is only
88.54% of that of NCA, whereas the ω30min and δ values of RCA reach
2.81% and 16.89%, respectively. Compared to NCA, the ω30min and δ
values of RCA are 2.75 times and 2.09 times higher than that of NCA,
implying that the RCA has strong water absorptivity and insufficient
compressive strength. Natural river sand with a 2.37 fineness modulus
was used as fine aggregates [35]; likewise, the moisture of natural sand
was considered to avoid the influence on the scheduled usage of mixing
water. The particle-size distributions of coarse and fine aggregates are
drawn in Fig. 2.
2.2.2. Binder materials
Ordinary Portland cement 42.5 (P⋅O 42.5) and 3000-mesh fly ash
(FA) were selected as main and auxiliary binder materials, and their
compositions are shown in Table 3. As an auxiliary miner binder ma­
terial, fly ash was used to replace part of the cement material, increasing
workability and flowability and improving ITZs mechanical perfor­
mance during the concrete hardening process.
2.2.3. Square steel tube and steel fiber
In the current design code, GB 50936–2014 [36] stipulated that the
√̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
width-to-thickness ratios should not be >60 235/fy for the rectangle
sections of concrete-filled steel tube members subjected to compression
√̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
and 135 235/fy to flexure, respectively. Likewise, for composite
compression members with rectangle sections, ANSI/AISC 360–16 [37]
√̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
limited the width-to-thickness ratios were not exceeded 5.00 E/Fy , and
Eurocode 4 BS EN 1994-1-1:2004 [38] provided the maximum value of
√̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
width-to-thickness ratio was 52 235/fy . The impacts of local buckling
were not neglected if cross-sections of composite columns had higher
width-to-thickness ratios. In addition, the steel tube thickness shall not
be <3 mm [39], and the steel usage of concrete-filled steel tube columns
as compression members was approximately equal to or slightly higher
than that of conventional reinforced concrete. Considering the incor­
poration of steel fiber, in this study, square steel tubes roll-shaped by
steel strips with three different thicknesses of 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm,
and the thickness of 4 mm were selected as the dominant thickness.
Moreover, the butt seams of steel tubes were addressed using high-
frequency welding without superfluous cast structures. The sample
preparation and tensile indices of steel strips were conducted as China
codes GB/T 2975–2018 [40] and GB/T 228.1–2010 [41].
Fiber sizes, shapes, and characteristics significantly influence the
mechanical behaviour of fiber-reinforced concrete. For instance, short
steel fiber could not effectively retard the extension of concrete cracks
Fig. 1. Comparison between NCA and RCA.
3
Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910
because cracks mostly bypass the fiber ends. Long steel fiber performs a
favourable bridge function in the concrete matrix; however, the mixture
flowability decreases with fiber length increases [42]. Moreover,
compared to straight steel fiber, hooked-end steel fiber provide
favourable mechanical interlocking owing to the frictional force,
thereby achieving the desired bond strength and anchoring with the
concrete matrix. A higher aspect ratio is beneficial for the compressive
strength of concrete, particularly its flexural strength and toughness
[30]. Inversely, excessive fiber length degrades concrete flowability and
workability, and smaller fiber diameter does not uniformly conduct
stress and is easily deformed or broken during the mixing process [43].
In addition, Gao et al. [44] thought that 1.5–2.0% was the optimum
range of Vsf to be used for recycled concrete. The improvement in the
compressive strength of recycled concrete was better than that of normal
concrete. Lou [45] reported that the improvement in the fracture per­
formance of steel-fiber-reinforced recycled concrete (SFRAC) linearly
increased as Vsf increased from 0.5% to 2.0% and acquired a higher
enhancement of steel-fiber-reinforced to recycled concrete. Therefore,
double hooked-end steel fiber with a fiber length of 30 mm and a length-
to-diameter ratio of 57.6 was selected in this study. Compared to RAC,
the failure mode of SFRAC is gradually transformed to ductility failure
from brittleness, especially bearing a tension load. The physical and
mechanical indices of steel tubes and steel fiber are listed in Table 4.
2.2.4. Concrete proportions and specimens preparation
The concrete proportions are listed in Table 1. Noticeably, the stir­
ring and vibrating time of the concrete mixture shall be appropriately
extended when Vsf reaches 1.8% because double-hooked-end steel fiber
is prone to agglomeration and forms voids in the concrete matrix under
large fiber content. Subsequently, the fresh mixture was injected into the
steel tube welded with a steel baseplate of 12 mm until the concrete
plane slightly the steel tube. After the 28-day natural curing stage, the
part of the core concrete above the tube plane was polished to be flush
with the steel tube, and the endplate was welded. Finally, column
specimens were painted blue base and grided white lines to be conve­
nient for observing the loading procedure. Meanwhile, Table 1 lists the
28-day cube compressive strength (fcu) of concrete samples that are
tested according to the China code GB/T 50081–2019 [46].
2.3. Experimental apparatuses
The tested specimen and testing apparatuses are illustrated in Fig. 3.
The stiffness of the electric-servo pressure testing machine was large
enough to ensure that the whole falling stage of tested specimens could
be measured. A suit of hinge support fixed the specimen between the
loading plates, allowing enough rotatory capacity and space, and a force
transducer was placed between the hinge support and loading machine
baseplate to record real-time applied load directly. Two linear variable
differential transducers (LVDTs) were erected to measure the vertical
displacement of the tested specimen and to avoid extra displacement
from the loading machine. Furthermore, three horizontal LVDTs were
fixed to measure the lateral deflection at the column heights of 1/4, 1/2,
and 3/4. Polyamide fiber threads were used to link the horizontal LVDTs
S. Zong et al. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910

Fig. 2. Particle-size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates.

min was executed until vertical displacement reached approximately 22

Table 2
mm.
Aggregates for concrete.
Aggregate Apparent density Crushing index Water absorption 3. Test data and analyses
(ρa) (δ) (ω30min)

RCA 2450 kg/m3 16.89% 2.81% 3.1. Failure modes

NCA 2767 kg/m3 8.05% 1.02%

Observations recorded during the loading process appeared that all

the specimens generally exhibited ductile behaviour under the
Table 3 eccentric-compressive load. The typical load-vertical displacement
Binder compositions. curve of tested specimens under eccentric compression and the specimen
CaO MgO SiO2 K2 O Al2O3 Fe2O3 Ig. loss morphologies at different loading moments are displayed in Fig. 4.
P⋅O 42.5 62.7% 1.5% 19.8% 0.7% 4.6% 3.5% 7.2% In general, the loading process could be divided into four sections.
FA 5.1% 1.2% 49.3% 1.4% 24.0% 12.2% 6.8% Initially, in the o → a section, the vertical displacement grew in pro­
portion to the applied load. In this stage, little conspicuous change
occurred on the outer steel tube surface, and the performance of the
to the measurement points, minimising the influence of the longitudinal tested specimen kept stable. As the applied load approached 0.7–0.8 Nu,
deformation on the lateral deflection. entering the a → b section, the increment in the applied load and vertical
Additionally, sixteen strain gauges were attached at the middle displacement presented a nonlinear-uptrend tendency, and simulta­
section of the specimen in the longitudinal and transverse directions to neously, slight growths of lateral deflection can be detected. In the o → b
measure the strains of the steel tube during the loading process. Fig. 3 section, the secant slopes from point o to a slightly increased with
shows the distribution of measurement points. The naming of mea­ increasing Rp because of the diminished Δu; however, the secant slopes
surement points includes two parts: a side number from 1 to 4 (front decreased with the increasing Ts and Vsf and significantly decreased with
side, right side, back side, and left side) with a superscript ‘#’ and a point larger Er because the increment in Δu was greater than in Nu with the
number from 1 to 3 with a superscript ‘L’ or ‘T’. The capital letters ‘L’ increasing Ts and Vsf, and the end bending moment grew with increasing
and ‘T’ in the trailer superscript represent the longitudinal and trans­ applied load and Er. As the applied load approached Nu, the visible
verse strain gauges. For instance, the label 1#-2T can be located at the diminutive bulges gradually appeared on column surfaces. After the
midline in the front column side and used to record the strain by a applied load reached Nu and got into the b → c section, the Nu of the
transverse gauge. All sensor data were collected using a real-time tested specimen began to fall, and the vertical displacement and lateral
acquisition system to ensure synchronicity and accuracy. A real-time deflections increased. The downtrend aggravated with the increasing Rp
data acquisition system was used to collect all digital results and Er due to the inferior post-peak compressive behaviour of RAC and
synchronously. combined load-bearing condition. In contrast, the descending branch
Following the China code GB/T 50152–2012 [47], the testing pro­ was mitigated by increasing Ts and Vsf. Meanwhile, the specimen bent
cess included three loading stages. Pre-testing: estimated 0.2 Nu was onto the compression side in the plane, and lateral deflections aggra­
applied to check the processing state of testing apparatuses and to verify vated. In the c → d section, as the test proceeded, the downtrend of the
the eccentric displacement of applied load; Formal loading: the graded applied load decelerated, and the bulges squeezed into a semicircular
force-loading mode with an increment of 0.1 Nu was set at the initial ring with deformation further developed.
loading stages, and each graded-load level was held for 2 min. Then, the Furthermore, the eccentric load-strain curves of all specimens are
loading increment was changed to 0.05 Nu when outer steel tubes exhibited in Fig. 5. By comparing the strain tendency of tested speci­
yielded; Finally, when the tested specimen appeared to have failure mens, eccentric load-strain curves also experienced linear and nonlinear
characteristics, the continuous displacement-loading mode with 1 mm/ uptrend, rapid development, and descending phase. The load-strain

4
S. Zong et al. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910

curves for longitudinal strain along the column cross-section linearly

increased before 0.7–0.8 Nu, and the specimens predominantly
deformed in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal strains of the
measurement points near the loading line were larger than that of other
measurement points. Then, the divergence of longitudinal strains in the
compression and tension zones developed with increasing load; like­
wise, it diverged with increasing load eccentricity, even though the
measured strain values at measurement points had randomness and
contingency due to the uncertainty in the local buckling. The distribu­
tion of longitudinal load-strain curves close to Nu conformed to the plane
cross-section assumption under eccentric compression.
After the terminal loading procedure, the failure morphologies of all
specimens and detailed views on the typical core concrete removed
outer steel tube are displayed in Fig. 6. All specimens exhibited similar
failure morphologies because the specimens were similar in structural
form and loaded condition. Moreover, the local bulges of the outer steel
tube chiefly occurred in the compressive zone at the middle of column
height and were perpendicular to the deflection curve of the column,
indicating that the specimens bent in the plane. However, the lateral
deflections of the specimen with the thicker steel tube, greater steel fiber
volume, and load eccentricity noticeably increased under the same
loaded level. Also, the core concrete presented extruded deformation
0.52 ± 0.02
Steel fiber

and tensile cracks, and extruded deformation corresponded to the outer

30 ± 1

7850
1060

steel tube bulges. Compared to surfaces of core concrete without steel

57.6

–
–

fiber reinforcement, the steel-fiber-reinforced core concrete surface has

little shedding or peeling, maintaining better integrity than plain con­
crete after removing the outer steel tube. The parallel transverse con­
crete cracks distributed on the concrete surface; however, no tension
cracks on the steel tube surface within the tension side were observed
from the backside and interior view of the steel tube.

3.2. Effect of different parameters

3.2.1. Effect of mass replacement percentage of recycled coarse aggregates

(Rp)
Fig. 7 shows the effect of different Rp on the eccentric-compressive
behaviour of tested specimens. As the Rp increases, the Nu increases
by 0.46–7.64% since RCA may downscale the actual water-cement ratio
during the curing period due to its stronger water absorption, which
results in a slight increment in the compressive strength of core concrete.
Nevertheless, accumulated defects of RCA in core concrete impair the
mechanical properties of short columns. Therefore, the testing load of
specimens with higher Rp reach Nu early, reflected in the corresponding
479.3
346.0
7850

0.29

Δu that decreases from 2.92 mm to 2.34 mm when Rp increases to 100%;

90

5
–

the testing load drops rapidly after reaching Nu, and the maximum load
reduction in post-peak load attains 44.54%.
Fig. 7(d)–(g) depict the lateral deflections of tested specimens at the
485.7
344.1

1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 column heights when the testing load value reaches
7850

0.29
80

0.85 Nu, 1.00 Nu, and the post-peak load values of 0.90 Nu, 0.80 Nu, and
4
–

0.75 Nu for the first time (a total of five levels). The lateral deflections of
tested specimens approximate half-sinusoid waves and diverge from
Steel tube

dense to sparse as the loading procedure proceeds. The lateral deflection

474.2
343.6
7850

0.28

curves contract inward as Rp increases, which means that the deform­

70

3
–

ability of specimen columns decreases under the same testing load level.

3.2.2. Effect of tube thickness (Ts)

Square-steel tubes and steel fiber.

Fig. 8 illustrates the effect of different Ts on the eccentric-

Thickness or fiber diameter (mm)

Ultimate tensile strength (MPa)

compressive behaviour of tested specimens. Compared to specimen

C40-E2-T3-R100-ST0.0, the Nu increase by 9.09% and 20.38% when Ts
Geometry diagram (mm)

are 4 mm and 5 mm; meanwhile, the Δu increase by 10.35% and 28.72%.

Lc or fiber length (mm)

Yield strength (MPa)

The increment in Nu and Δu owes to the increasing steel ratio of the

Poisson ratio (μs)
Length/Diameter
Density (kg/m3)

cross-sections, which offers more powerful confinement to core concrete

Characteristic

and directly supports the applied load at the tensile side. Therefore, the
eccentric load-vertical displacement curve of the specimen with Ts of 5
Table 4

mm displays a flatter recession branch than other specimens, and the

maximum reduction in post-peak load of tested specimens drops to

5
S. Zong et al.
Fig. 3. Testing apparatus.
Fig. 4. Typical eccentric load-vertical displacement curve and specimen morphologies.
37.67% (Ts = 5 mm) from 53.72% (Ts = 3 mm). Moreover, comparing
Fig. 8(d)–(f), the lateral deflection curves expand outwards, displaying
favourable deformability with thicker tube walls. When the post-peak
load is downward to 0.80 Nu and 0.75 Nu for the first time, the lateral
deflection values of the specimen with Ts of 3 mm at the 1/2 column
height are 2.87 mm and 5.20 mm, and corresponding values grow up to
5.54 mm and 10.60 mm as Ts increases to 5 mm.
3.2.3. Effect of load eccentricity (Er)
As shown in Fig. 9, Er has a distinct influence on the macro me­
chanical behaviour of tested specimens. The Nu of the tested specimens
decreases by 9.09–16.76%, whereas Δu increases by 7.10–22.40% as Er
reaches 0.40 from 0.10; meanwhile, the maximum reduction in post-
peak load rises to 53.37% when Er is 0.40. This is because the tested
specimens are in the condition of small eccentric compression. Thus, a
negative correlation exists between flexural capacity and compressive
resistance. The increment in load eccentricity means the member shall
be subjected to a significant initial bending moment in the early loading
stage, resulting in a distinguished lateral deformation. The flexural
modulus of tested specimens continuously downgrades with concrete
cracking as well. Therefore, the lateral deflection of tested specimens
continuously aggravates with increasing Er. As depicted in Fig. 9(d)–(f),
when the testing load falls to 0.80 Nu and 0.75 Nu for the first time, the
lateral deflection values of the specimen with Er = 0.10 at the 1/2
6
Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910
column height are 2.30 mm and 3.93 mm, while corresponding values
enlarge to 4.55 mm and 9.60 mm when Er reaches 0.40.
3.2.4. Effect of volume fraction of steel fiber (Vsf)
Fig. 10 to Fig. 15 present the effect of steel fiber volume on the macro
eccentric-compressive behaviour of SFRACFST square short columns.
Compared to the outer steel tubes directly bearing the applied load and
offering the confinement effect onto core concrete, steel fiber performs
anchoring and bridging effects to retard the development and expansion
of microcracks in the concrete matrix, maintaining the integrity of core
concrete and enhancing the compressive strength of core concrete.
Nevertheless, the increment in the steel ratio of concrete cross-sections
caused by the increased level of each tube-wall thickness is around
3%, which obviously improves the mechanical properties of SFRACFST
square short columns and is higher than the per gradient increment in
parameter Vsf. However, the maximum usage in steel fiber volume
fraction shall not exceed 2% in practical engineering. Furthermore, it is
worth noting that the gains from increasing steel fiber volume are more
effective than thickening tube walls for the same incremental steel
content.
Herein, Fig. 10 describes the effect of 1.2% Vsf on the tested speci­
mens with different Ts. Compared to specimen C40-E2-T3-R100-ST0.0,
the Nu of specimen C40-E2-T3-R100-ST1.2 increases by 10.50%. This
increment is higher than that of C40-T4-R100-ST0.0 increased by
S. Zong et al.
Fig. 5. Load-strains curves of all tested specimens.
9.09%. Also, the steel fiber in core concrete alleviates the disparity in
mechanical properties of tested specimens caused by changed tube
thickness. For instance, the gap of Nu between C40-E2-T3-R100-ST0.0
and C40-E2-T5-R100-ST0.0 is reduced by 7.42% when Vsf reaches
1.2%. The increment in Δu is increased by 24.31%, 26.07%, and 30.05%
compared to that of the specimens without steel fiber. Likewise, the
maximum reduction in the post-peak load of the specimens diminishes
by about 8%. Additionally, a synergistic reaction exists between steel
fiber and confinement effect on improving SFRACFST square short col­
umns because stronger confinement onto core concrete further
strengthens the anchoring effect of steel fiber in the concrete matrix and
enhances the friction during steel fiber is pulled out.
The improvement from different Vsf on the SFRACFST square short
columns with Rp of 50%, 75%, and 100% are shown in Figs. 11 to 13.
The incorporation of 1.2–1.8% Vsf into core concrete has a noticeable
enhancement in the deformation performance of SFRACFST square short
columns. For instance, the Δu of the specimens, compared to that of the
specimens without steel fiber, averagely increases by 9.25% (Vsf =
0.6%), 24.74% (Vsf = 1.2%), and 41.57% (Vsf = 1.8%); meanwhile, the
lateral deflection curves expand outward at each load level, and the
gradation between adjacent curves gradually widens as well, reflecting
that tested specimen experiences a large lateral deformation and not
occurs as a collapse failure. The double hooked-end steel fiber provides
an interlock force at the concrete matrix, and the anchoring and bridging
7
Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910
function consumes energy done by the testing load. Moreover, when
concrete cracks stretch across the area distributed by steel fiber, then in
this area, the internal force is transmitted by the steel fiber before the
steel fiber is pulled out, broken, or sheared off. This effect is reflected in
the eccentric load-vertical displacement curves as well.
Fig. 14, Fig. 13, and Fig. 15 describe the effect of gradient Vsf levels
on the mechanical behaviour of tested specimens under eccentric load
with Er of 0.10, 0.25, and 0.40. The eccentric load-vertical displacement
curves of tested specimens are stratified with increasing Vsf, especially
when Er is 0.40. Taking specimen C40-E3-T4-ST0.0 as a reference, the Nu
and Δu increase by 9.66% and 30.70%, respectively, when Vsf rises to
1.8%. Notably, the Nu and Δu of C40-E3-T4-ST1.8 have covered the same
indices of C40-E2-T4-ST0.0. Likewise, the maximum reduction in post-
peak load of specimen C40-E3-T4-ST1.8 drops to 39.02% (Vsf = 1.8%)
from 53.37% (Vsf = 0.0%), which is better than that of C40-E2-T4-ST0.0.
This makes it feasible to mix steel fiber into core concrete to compensate
for the adverse impact caused by the higher applied load eccentricity
because steel fiber also confines the core concrete, which intersperses in
the concrete matrix and is beneficial for stress transmission and redis­
tribution during the bearing load process.
3.2.5. Effect of confinement ratio
The confinement ratio is determined by steel yield strength, axial
compressive strength of concrete, and the ratio of steel and core concrete
S. Zong et al.
Fig. 6. Failure morphologies after testing.
area. With other parameters unchanged, higher steel yield strength and
lower axial compressive strength of concrete produce a larger confine­
ment ratio; however, with the same cross-section characteristic, the
incorporation of steel fiber increases the compressive strength of core
concrete, which degrades the confinement ratio. Generally, a larger
confinement ratio facilitates better comprehensive mechanical behav­
iour of column specimens. Taking C40-E2-T3-R100-ST0.0 as a reference,
the confinement ratio increases from 1.12 to 1.95 with increasing Ts to 5
mm, and the Nu and Δu increase by 20.38% and 28.72%, respectively, as
shown in Fig. 8. This is because larger confinement ratio means greater
steel usage and stronger confinement effect onto core concrete.
Compared to C40-E2-T4-R100-ST0.0, the confinement ratio de­
creases by 18.87% as Vsf increases to 1.8%; nonetheless, the Nu and Δu of
C40-E2-T4-R100-ST1.8 are increased by 9.98% and 41.32%, as shown in
Fig. 13. The mechanical behaviour of specimen C40-E2-T4-R100-ST1.8
does not degrade with the decreasing confinement ratio as expected
because the incorporation of steel fiber effectively improves the
compressive strength and ductility of core concrete and further enhances
the deformation ability of specimen columns.
3.3. Energy consumption indicator (ECI)
The energy consumption indicator (ECI) reflects the response of
members to resist the applied load during load bearing and deformation.
Applying it in concrete-filled steel tube structures can evaluate the
mechanical behaviour and indirectly indicate the cooperative reaction
between the outer steel tube and core concrete; likewise, it quantifies the
influence of Rp, Ts, Er, and Vsf on the energy consumption capacity of
specimen columns. In this study, the area encircled between the interval
[0,20] of the x-axis and the eccentric-compressive load-vertical
displacement curve is defined as the ECI value of the tested specimen.
Furthermore, the ECI can be divided into the pre-peak energy con­
sumption indicator (ECIpr) located in [0, Δu] and the post-peak energy
consumption indicator (ECIpo) located in [Δu, 20].
Compared to the difference in ECIpo and ECI, the fluctuation in ECIpr
values of each specimen is limited, as depicted in Fig. 16. To the ECIpr,
load eccentricity is one of the essential factors. The Nu of specimens
8
Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910
degrades with increasing Er, but the Δu is exacerbated, which increases
the ECIpr of the specimens under compressive load with 0.40 eccen­
tricity. However, ECIpo accounts for a large proportion of ECI, and thus
the post-peak mechanical behaviour of specimens is of decisive impor­
tance. The specimens with higher values of Ts and Vsf exhibit better
energy consumption ability in ECIpo indicator, owing to enhanced ulti­
mate compressive strength, favourable deformation performance, and
mitigated failure process.
4. Design codes and incremental iteration model
There is no specific model for predicting the ultimate compressive
strength of SFRACFST square short columns under eccentric-
compressive load. Therefore, this study proposes an incremental itera­
tion model for filling this research gap. Additionally, the structural
performance of SFRACFST square short columns is similar to that of
traditional concrete-filled steel tube members under eccentric
compression. Hence, the calculation methods detailed computing pro­
cedures in current specifications of the ANSI/AISC 360–16 [37], Euro­
code 4 BS EN 1994-1-1:2004 [38], GB 50936–2014 [36], and DBJ/
T13–51–2010 [39] are reviewed.
4.1. ANSI/AISC 360–16
Classification of filled composite sections for local buckling is spec­
ified, including compact, noncompact, or slender. For compression and
flexure, the maximum width-to-thickness ratio of a rectangle section to
qualify as compact shall not exceed the limiting value λp. If the width-to-
thickness ratio of one or more steel compression elements exceeds λp,
but does not exceed λr, the filled composite section is noncompact. The
section is slender if the maximum of any compression steel element
member width-to-thickness ratio exceeds λr. However, the maximum
permitted width-to-thickness ratio shall be as specified λlim. The values
of λp, λp, and λlim can be acquired using Eq. (1).
S. Zong et al. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910

Fig. 7. Effect of Rp when Er = E2, Ts = 4 mm, and Vsf = 0.0%.

√̅̅̅̅̅ √̅̅̅̅̅ √̅̅̅̅̅

E E E distribution over the composite for compact section.
λp = 2.26 , λr = 3.00 , and λlim = 5.00 (1)
Fy Fy Fy (3)
′
Pc = Fy As + C2 fc Ac
Where E is the modulus of elasticity of steel (200,000 MPa), and Fy is For filled composite members with noncompact or slender sections,
the specified minimum yield stress. The maximum width-to-thickness the interaction between axial force and flexure shall be calculated using
ratio of all tested specimens is 50 and not exceeds the limiting width- Eq. (4), where cm, cp, and csr are coefficients relating to the character­
to-thickness ratio of 54.4. Thus, the column specimens in this study istics of cross-sections as follows Eq. (5); Mc shall be re-assumed ac­
can be classified as compact sections. For filled composite members with cording to to yield moment, concrete elastic stress distribution, and local
compact sections, the resistance of compact SFRACFST square short buckling stress. Fcr is local buckling stress for the section and equals 9 Es
columns subjected to combined axial force and flexure shall be based on / (D / t)2 for the rectangular filled section.
Eq. (2) as follows: ⎧ ( )
⎧ ⎪
⎪ Pr 1 − cp Mr Pr
⎪ ⎪
⎪ + ≤ 1.0, ≥ cp
⎪
⎪ Pr 8 Mr Pr ⎨ Pc cm Mc Pc
⎪
⎨ +
Pc 9 Mc
≤ 1.0,
Pc
≥ 0.2 ( )( ) (4)
(2) ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪
1 − cm Pr
+
Mr
≤ 1.0,
Pr
< c
⎪
⎪ Pr Mr Pr ⎩ cp Pc Mc Pc
p
⎪
⎩ 2Pc + Mc ≤ 1.0,
⎪
Pc
≤ 0.2

where Pr and Mr are required axial strength and flexure, according to

LRFD or ASD load combinations; Pc is the available strength given by Eq.
(3); C2 is 0.85 for rectangular sections. Mc corresponds to plastic stress

9
S. Zong et al. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910

Fig. 8. Effect of Ts when Er = E2, Rp = 100%, and Vsf = 0.0%.

Fig. 9. Effect of Er when Ts = 4 mm, Rp = 100%, and Vsf = 0.0%.

10
S. Zong et al. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910

Fig. 10. Effect of Vsf when Er = E2, Ts = 3, 4, and 5 mm, and Rp = 100%.

Fig. 11. Effect of Vsf when Er = E2, Ts = 4 mm, and Rp = 50%.

11
S. Zong et al. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910

Fig. 12. Effect of Vsf when Er = E2, Ts = 4 mm, and Rp = 75%.

Fig. 13. Effect of Vsf when Er = E2, Ts = 4 mm, and Rp = 100%.

12
S. Zong et al. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910

Fig. 14. Effect of Vsf when Er = E1, Ts = 4 mm, and Rp = 100%.

Fig. 15. Effect of Vsf when Er = E3, Ts = 4 mm, and Rp = 100%.

13
S. Zong et al. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910

Fig. 16. Energy consumption indicator (ECI).

⎧
⎪
⎪ 1.06 ( ) As f
⎪
⎨ c0.11 ≥ 1.0,
⎪ csr ≥ 0.5 fsc = 1.212 + Bθ + Cθ2 fc , θ = (13)
0.17 As Fy Ac fc
(5)
sr
cp = 0.4 , csr = ′ , cm =
csr Ac fc ⎪
⎪ 0.90 [ √̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅ ]
⎪
⎩ c0.36 ≤ 1.67, csr < 0.5
⎪ 1 2 ( 2 )2 2
sr φ= 2
λsc + (1 + 0.25λsc ) − λsc + (1 + 0.25λsc ) − 4λsc (14)
2λsc
⎧
⎪ (C2 − 0.7)Ac ( )2 ( )/
⎪ (15)
′
⎨ Fy As + C2 fc Ac − ( )2 λ − λp , λp < λ < λr Mu = γ G m Wsc fsc , Wsc = π r04 − rci4 4r0
Pc = λr − λp (6)
⎪
⎪ ( √̅̅̅ )
⎩
(16)
′
Fcr As + 0.7fc Ac λ > λr γG m = (1 − 0.5ψ ) − 0.483θ + 1.926 θ

It should be noted that Nu is taken into account the effect of the

4.2. Eurocode 4 BS EN 1994-1-1:2004 slenderness of concrete-filled steel tubular members (λsc) normalised to
non-dimensional λsc. The λsc is approximately equal to 0.01 λsc (0.001 fy
According to Eurocode 4 BS EN 1994-1-1:2004 [38], the resistance of + 0.781). βm is the equivalent moment coefficient decided by GB
members in combined compression and uniaxial should be satisfied 50017–2017 [48]. In Eqs. (12) to (16), Asc is the cross-section area; f and
expression Eq. (7): fc are compressive design values of steel and concrete; B = 0.131⋅f / 213
MEd MEd + 0.732, and C = − 0.070⋅fc / 14.4 + 0.732; r0 is the radius of equiv­
= ≤ αM (7) alenced circular cross-section, and rci is the radius of hollow section; γG_m
Mpl,N,Rd μd Mpl,Rd
is the plastic development coefficient related hollow ratio (ψ ) and
Npl,Rd = As fy + Ac fcd (8) confinement factor (θ).

NEd
≤ 1.0 (9) 4.4. DBJ/T13–51–2010
χ Npl,Rd
Based on DBJ/T13–51–2010 [39], the resistance of concrete-filled
where MEd is the greatest of the end moments and the maximum bending
steel tube members under combined compression and uniaxial
moment within the column length, and Mpl,N,Rd is the plastic bending
bending shall be calculated by the following formulas:
resistance taking into account the normal force. The coefficient αM is
⎧
dependent on steel grades. It is worth noting that the plastic resistance ⎪
⎪ N a⋅βm ⋅M N
⎪ + ≤ 1, ≥ 2η0
(Npl,Rd) to compression of concrete-filled sections is calculated by Eq. ⎪
⎨ Nu Mu Nu
(8); thereinto, fy is the yield stress of steel tubes, and fcd is the design (17)
⎪
⎪ − b⋅N 2 c⋅N βm ⋅M N
value of the cylinder compressive strength of concrete. ⎪
⎩ N 2 − Nu + Mu ≤ 1, Nu < 2η0
⎪
u

4.3. GB 50936–2014
Nu = Asc fsc , Mu = γD m Wsc fsc (18)

In code GB 50936–2014 [36], the resistance of concrete-filled steel for rectangular sections,
tubular structure members subjected to combined axial compression and
bending moment shall be conformed to Eq. (10). Therein, Nu and Mu are fsc = (1.18 + 0.85ξ0 )⋅fc , ξ0 =
As f
(19)
design strengths for axial compression strength and flexure strength, and Ac fc
formulas shall be considered Euler's critical load (NE) calculated using
Eq. (11). γD m = 1.04 + 0.48ln(ξ + 0.1) (20)
⎧
⎪ N βm M N where γD_m is the plastic development coefficient; ξ and ξ0 are confine­
⎪
⎪
⎨ Nu + 1.5Mu (1 − 0.4N/NE ) ≤ 1,
⎪
Nu
≥ 0.255 ment factors of standard and design values; a, b, c, d, and ζ0 are the
(10) coefficients correlated with the confinement factor, a = 1–2 η0, b = (1 –
⎪ N βm M N
⎪
⎪
⎩ − 2.17Nu + Mu (1 − 0.4N/NE ) ≤ 1, Nu < 0.255
⎪ ζ0) /η20, c = 2⋅(ζ0–1)/ η0, for rectangular sections, d = 1–0.25⋅N / NE, and
ζ0 = 1 + 0.14 ξ–1.3; when ξ ≤ 0.4, η0 = 0.5–0.3175⋅ξ (If ξ > 0.4, η0 = 0.1
+ 0.13⋅ξ − 0.81).
π Esc Asc
NE = (11)
1.1λ2
4.5. Incremental iteration model
Nu = φN0 , N0 = Asc fsc (12)
These current provisions may ignore the influence of recycled

14
S. Zong et al. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910

concrete and steel fiber on calculating the Nu of the SFRACFST square each element centroid can be calculated using Eq. (22), where ε0 denotes
short column. Fig. 17 compares prediction values (Np) and experimental the initial strain at the centroid of the column section, and κ is the
results (Ne) using the above four codes. Different relationships between curvature of the 1/2 column-height section. The compressive stress (εi)
axial compressive strength and flexure strength are provided in corresponds to a positive εi. The yi value represents the longitudinal
reviewed codes. The code ANSI/AISC 360–16 [37] and Eurocode 4 [38] distance from the centroid of the elements to the x-axis.
may not be suitably used to predict the Nu of SFRACFST square short π
columns under eccentric compression because it does not consider the u(z) = um sin z (21)
L
interaction between concrete core and steel tube and thus un­
derestimates the ultimate axial-compressive strength of concrete-filled εi = ε0 + κ⋅yi (22)
columns. In addition, GB 50936–2014 [36] and DBJ/T13-51-2019
After the εi of the element is determined, the values of the concrete
[39] are conservative in predicting the Nu of SFRACFST square short
stress (σci) and steel stress (σ si) can be calculated separately according to
columns, and the conservatism in the prediction values compared with
the material constitutive relationship. The elastoplastic stress-strain
the experimental results grows as the load eccentricity increases. As
relationship of mild carbon steel proposed by Han et al. [49] is
mentioned in Section 3.2.4, the incorporation of steel fiber improves the
selected to describe the mechanical behaviour of the steel tube as shown
compressive behaviour of recycled concrete. It maintains the integrity of
in Eq. (23), where εe1 = fy / Es, εe2 = 10 εe1, and εe3 = 100 εe1.
the core concrete, thus significantly increasing deformation ability of
SFRACFST square short columns, which means that the tested specimens ⎧
⎪
⎪
can bear greater bending moment. ⎪
⎪
⎪ Es ε (ε ≤ εe1 )
⎪
⎪
Therefore, this study proposes an incremental iteration model for ⎪
⎪
⎪ f (εe1 < ε ≤ εe2 )
⎨ y
predicting Nu of the SFRACFST square short column, and the following
σs = (ε − εe2 ) ( ) (23)
assumptions are used for analysis: No relative slippage between the steel ⎪
⎪
⎪ fy + fu − fy (εe2 < ε ≤ εe3 )
⎪ (εe3 − εe2 )
tube and core concrete; Ignore the influence of shear force on the ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪
deformation of the specimens; The constraints at both ends of the ⎪
⎪
⎩ fu (ε > εe3 )
member are hinged, and the lateral deflection approximates half-
sinusoid curves; A flat section remains during the deformation process Compared to the NAC, the RAC exhibited a degraded compressive
and only considers the mid-span section's internal and external force behaviour, especially in the steeper descending branch of stress-strain
balance; The longitudinal stress of any element on the cross-section curves [50,51]. Moreover, Gao et al. [52] and Zong et al. [53] verified
depends on the longitudinal strain at that element; For the concrete- that the incorporation of steel fiber effectively improved the tensile
filled steel tube with a square cross-section, the stress of the steel tube behaviour and ductility of RAC. Furthermore, Lyu et al. [54] considered
is determined according to uniaxial stress states [49]. Based on the the stress-strain relationship for a confined RAC under axial compressive
above assumptions, the lateral deflection curves of the specimens are loading. Therefore, this study adopts Eqs. (24) to (27), the constitutive
expressed as Eq. (21). The column cross-section is divided into strip model for the core concrete in the compression area, where ε0 and
elements, as shown in Fig. 18(b). Considering the calculation precision σ 0 correspond to ultimate values of compressive stress and strain; x = ε /
and compatibility of element division, the element length equals the ε0, and y = σ / σ 0.
section width, and the element width is set as 1 mm. The strain (εi) at

Fig. 17. Predication values using current codes versus experimental results.

15
S. Zong et al. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910

Fig. 18. Specimen deformation and element division.

⎧ /( √̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅ ) /
⎪
⎨ 2x − x2 (x ≤ 1) α = fc0.1 1.35 1 + ξ , η = 1.6 + 1.5 x (27)
y= x (24)
⎪
⎩ α⋅(x − 1)η + x (x > 1) Furthermore, the tensile behaviour of SFRAC, especially with higher
Vsf, shall not be neglected. Therefore, Eqs. (28) to (30) express the stress-
[ )0.45 ]
( )
(
24 strain relationship of steel-fiber-reinforced concrete under tension load,
σ0 = fc ⋅ 1 + − 0.0135ξ2 + 0.15ξ ⋅ (25) where λsf represents the characteristic value of steel fiber and equals the
fc
product of Vsf and aspect ratio of steel fiber. After determining the stress
[ ( )] value of each element, the internal force (Nin) and bending moment
fc
ε0 = 1300 + 12.5fc + 1330 + 760⋅ − 1 ⋅ξ0.2 (με) (26) (Min) at the 1/2 column height section can be obtained, and then predict
24

Fig. 19. Flow chart and the comparison between Np and Ne.

16
S. Zong et al.
the Nu of the SFRACFST short column under eccentric-compressive load.
⎧ including ultimate compressive strength, residual strength, defor­
⎪
⎪ 2 6
⎨ 1.2x − 0.2x (x ≤ 1)
y= x (28)
⎪ (x > 1)
⎪
⎩ 2⋅(x − 1)1.7 + x
( )
σt = 0.24 + 0.11λsf ⋅fcu2/3 (29)
( )
εt = 62 + 12.6λsf ⋅σ0.54
t (με) (30)
To investigate the validation and feasibility of the proposed incre­
mental iteration model, a comparison between the predicted results (Np)
using the proposed model and experiment results (Ne), a total of 95
specimens [26,55,56], is presented in Fig. 19; herein, the specimens
within parameters of fcu = 24–73 MPa, fy = 273–346 MPa, Vsf =
0.0–1.8%, αs = 0.08–0.15, and λ = 10–11. The mean value, standard
deviation, and coefficient of variation values of Np / Ne are 0.96, 0.06,
and 0.06. The theoretically calculated values are close to the experiment
results and are inclined toward the safe side.
5. Conclusion
Based on a series of eccentric-compressive tests of 25 recycled
concrete-filled square steel tube short columns, including the impact of
the mass replacement percentage of recycled concrete (Rp), tube thick­
ness (Ts), load eccentricity (Er), and steel fiber volume fraction (Vsf),
following conclusions can be obtained:
1. All tested specimens bent in-plane and exhibited ductility failure
mode. Semicircular and flat bulges occurred at the middle column
height or at one or three-quarters of column height, even with
different parameters, and the steel-reinforced-recycled concrete as
infilled concrete kept integrity.
2. A higher Rp value was detrimental to the ductility of the specimens.
With an increasing Rp, Δu decreased by 10.36–19.62%, and the
maximum reduction in post-peak load reached 44.54%. The differ­
ence that should be noticed was that using recycled coarse aggre­
gates instead of natural coarse aggregates may have influenced the
actual water-cement ratio and slightly enhanced the eccentric-
compressive ultimate compressive strength of recycled concrete-
filled square short columns.
3. Er significantly affected the mechanical properties of recycled
concrete-filled square short columns without steel fiber. Compared
to C40-E1-T4-R100-ST0.0, when Er increased from E1 to E3, the Nu of
the specimens without steel fiber decreased by 9.09–16.76%; the
maximum reduction in post-peak load increased from 40.54% to
53.37%; moreover, the lateral deflection expanded outward with
increasing Er of the applied load.
4. Increasing values of Ts and Vsf improved the eccentric-compressive
strength and ductility of SFRACFST square short columns, particu­
larly in the case of applied load with a large eccentricity. The spec­
imens with a thicker steel tube and higher steel fiber content
exhibited remarkable deformability under eccentric-compressive
load. In addition, mixing steel fiber into core concrete compensates
for the adverse influence caused by the enlarging eccentricity of the
applied load and alleviates the disparity in mechanical properties of
the specimens caused by changing tube-wall thickness.
5. Herein, an incremental iteration model, considering the influence of
mass replacement of RCA and the incorporation of steel fiber, for
calculating the eccentric-compressive ultimate compressive strength
of SFRACFST square short columns is suggested, from which the
recommended application margins are within fcu = 30–70 MPa, fy =
245–355 MPa, Vsf = 0.0–2.0%, αs = 0.08–0.15, and λ = 10–11.
Although this model has a minimum occupancy of computing re­
sources, it is a deficiency to examine the interaction between the
steel tube and core concrete during the loading process.
17
Journal of Constructional Steel Research 206 (2023) 107910
6. Based on the eccentric-compressive behaviour of tested specimens,
mation ability, and energy consumption, the best combination
within experimental parameters is 100% mass replacement of RCA,
1.2% steel fiber volume, and 5 mm tube thickness. In addition, it is
also worth considering the combination of 50% mass replacement of
RCA, 4 mm tube thickness, and 1.2% or 1.8% steel fiber volume,
which possess satisfactory mechanical properties and medium steel
ratio of cross sections.
CRediT authorship contribution statement
Shuai Zong: Writing – original draft, Investigation, Formal analysis.
Yiyan Lu: Supervision, Conceptualization, Resources. Wentao Ma: Data
curation, Software. Zhenzhen Liu: Writing – review & editing, Re­
sources. Ping Li: Methodology, Visualization.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence
the work reported in this paper.
Data availability
The authors do not have permission to share data.
Acknowledgements
This research work was supported by the National Natural Science
Foundation of China [Nos. 52238006] and the Fundamental Research
Funds for the Central Universities [Nos. 2042022kf0014]. All authors
appreciate their financial support.
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