Behavior of Composite Columns Using High Strength Steel Sections

Abstract

The rules of Eurocode 4 (1) apply for normal strength steel and normal strength concrete. In order to check the rules for the use of high strength steel a theoretical investigation based on Finite Element calculations had been carried out (2). Within the framework of the European research project "Use of high strength steel S460", experimental static strength investigations were carried out on 32 composite columns and 2 steel columns (for comparison purposes) using high strength fine grained steel S460. In addition to using concrete qualities C20, C45 and C70, the arrangement of mechanical shear connectors, longitudinal reinforcement as well as the transverse reinforcement (stirrups) and the loading were varied. The paper will give a survey about the test results with specific observations. The tests are evaluated according to Eurocode 4.