Abstract
In many instances, the determination of the maximum loads and displacements of structural members is of greater practical importance. The development of efficient methods for computing the load-carrying and deformation capacities in a more simple way, therefore, is of great practical interest to engineers. This study is concerned with the development of such a method. To obtain the complete load-deformation behavior of the columns, the M-P-Φ relations proposed by writers are integrated along the member axis with the use of the finite element technique. This procedure is first described in detail, and is followed by a comparison of the numerical results with the experiments. Next, design charts for determining the ultimate strengths and corresponding deformations of the concrete-filled steel box columns under constant axial force and lateral load are presented. Finally, a design recommendation for determining the optimum length of the filled-in concrete is proposed.
