Experimental and Analytical Evaluation of Concrete-Filled Crisscross Steel Tubular Columns Subjected to Earthquake Loads

Concrete-filled steel tubular columns have been studied extensively worldwide. Such columns provide stable energy dissipation, which is ideal for earthquake engineering application. However, most applications use rectangular steel tubular sections. In the location of wall intersections, these sections often create sharp corners, which are architecturally displeasing. In some facilities such as schools and correctional facilities, sharp corners are even prohibited due to their potential hazard to occupants. To resolve the issue, concrete-filled crisscross steel tubular columns (CCSTCs) have been proposed. Three half-scaled specimens were constructed and tested under cyclic displacement loading history. The experimental results were used to calibrate numerical models of the components and further used to examine the seismic behavior of a three-story prototype office building located in Los Angeles. The results showed the proposed CCSTC has excellent energy dissipation and postearthquake performance, and hence it can be used as an alternative lateral force resisting system for seismic applications.