Numerical parametric study on ultimate load and ductility of concrete encased equal-leg angle steel composite columns

Steel-concrete composite high bridge pier has been applied increasingly in China and around the world. Most applied steel type in the composite piers are H-shaped steel and steel pipe, while seldom research or practice is associated with angle steel. This paper conducted parametric study on the composite column with equal-leg angle steel and aimed to investigate the ultimate load and displacement ductility of the composite columns with different parameters. The parameters include the type of shear connector (stud and perfobond connectors), the type of structural steel (H-shaped steel and angle steel), steel-plate hooping ratio, shear-span ratio, and axial compression ratio. Finite element analysis was conducted for each specimen, which incorporated the concrete confinement effect, as well as the inelastic behavior of concrete, structural steel, and longitudinal and transverse steel bars. The equal-leg angle steel composite column was found to have slightly higher strength and displacement ductility than H-shaped steel composite column. The increase of steel-plate hooping result in larger strength and displacement ductility for the composite column, and the increase of shear-span ratio and axial compression ratio decrease the displacement ductility. Research results suggest stud and perfobond shear connectors should be applied as axial compression ratio being larger than 0.2 and 0.3, respectively. This paper provides reference for research and engineering practice of the concrete encased angle steel composite columns and bridge piers.