Computational Analysis of Concrete-Filled Steel Tube (CFST) Columns with Internal Confinement Systems Under Loading Conditions

Abstract

Concrete-Filled Steel Tube (CFST) columns have gained significant attention in structural engineering due to their superior load-bearing capacity and energy absorption characteristics. This study investigates the impact of different Internal Confinement System (ICS) configurations on the structural performance of CFST columns using advanced computational analysis in ANSYS R16.1. The finite element model incorporates variations in steel tube thickness, spiral bar diameter, and number of spiral turns, with boundary conditions and meshing techniques optimized for accurate simulations. The findings indicate that ICS results in a 15-20% reduction in peak deformation and a 10% increase in axial load-bearing capacity compared to conventional CFST columns. Furthermore, helical stiffeners significantly improve ductility, while ring stiffeners enhance lateral stability by reducing stress concentrations and delaying local buckling. The numerical results were validated through Monte Carlo simulations and confidence interval analysis, ensuring robustness. These insights contribute to optimizing CFST designs for enhanced structural performance in real-world applications.