Experimental hysteretic behavior of CFST column-foundation connections with novel detailing in embedded region

This paper presents a novel CFST column-foundation connection detail to improve stress transfer and damage control. To achieve this aim, seven specimens were created in the lab in three different configurations: exposed connection (base plate), embedded connection without reinforcement, and embedded connection with reinforcement. These specimens were subjected to cyclic lateral load and constant axial load tests. The effect of using internal reinforcement (including reinforcing anchor bar and internal tube) and external reinforcement (including shear studs, external diaphragm, and through diaphragm) in the embedded region on the reduction of the embedded depth was assessed. Performance indices of the tested connections, including the stiffness, lateral loading capacity, energy-dissipation capacity, ductility, and strain distribution of steel tubes, were analyzed based on hysteresis and pushover graphs. The test data demonstrated that all the specimens experienced flexural failure, and consequently, the local buckling of the steel tube was observed in all experiments with the exception of the specimen that had an exposed connection. The specimens with reinforcement in the embedded region had acceptable behavior with ductility coefficients higher than 4.8. The seismic response of the connection with the novel detail showed that the performance indices of the connection with reinforcing anchor rebars and reinforcing internal steel tube in the embedded region were considerably higher than those of the connection without reinforcement in the embedded region and the one in the exposed form. Moreover, the depth at which the connection is embedded was reduced by up to 0.7 times the diameter of the column due to the utilization of reinforcement in the embedded region.