Behaviour and design of high performance steel (HPS) sections with concrete infill subjected to abnormal loading

This paper aims to investigate the behaviour and design of concrete filled columns using HPS which are namely high strength steel and stainless steel. Both these steels have exhibited improved strength capacity and this paper will consider their potential applicability under abnormal loading. This paper provides an initial investigation into the potential uses for HPS concrete filled sections in building structures in extreme events such as those experienced in earthquakes and blast loading of buildings. HPS whilst being a much more costly material than conventional mild structural steel, has some significant benefits in performance. HPS exhibit superior durability and corrosion resistance and exhibits much higher yield or proof stresses than conventional steel. Typical proof stress values of HPS can vary between 450 and 700N/mm² (MPa). Furthermore, HPS have much higher energy absorption capability than conventional mild structural steel which is particularly pertinent to the structural response of buildings in seismic or blast type conditions. This paper will provide an overview of HPS and concrete filled steel sections in structural applications such as buildings and bridges. A summary of recent static experiments on short concrete filled steel sections of the square hollow section and tube variety will be provided. The paper will then illustrate how the results from the static experiments can be used to provide insight into the behaviour of these sections under abnormal conditions. In particular the use of HPS and concrete infill will provide cross sections that are much more favourable in structures under extreme conditions.