Limitations on the Width-to-Thickness Ratio of Rectangular Concrete-Filled Tubular (CFT) Columns

The concrete-filled steel tube (CFT) that has an excellent performance can be more economically used when the steel tube has a large width-to-thickness ratio. However, the international provisions such as American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) limit the use of a slender plate in CFT members, resulting in a less optimal use of CFT. This study verifies the post buckling strength of CFT columns through the experimental program for Hollow Steel Sections (HSS) and CFTs with a with-to-thickness ratio ranged 60 to 100. The study also proposes a relaxed limitations of with-to-thickness ratio compared to the one specified in the current standards.