Experimental Assessment of Partially Encased Composite Columns Behavior under Compressive and Bending Moment Loading

In recent years, Partially Encased Composite columns are evaluated as new achievements in the field This paper presents a combined experimental and theoretical study on the mechanical performances of six octagonal PEC columns subjected to axial compressive and bending moment loading. The main difference between them was the details of concrete strengthening. In the experimental study, the parameters investigated were the sort of detail of strengthening and the mode of failure. The results were represented as load-deformation and moment-rotation curves. The test results were compared with the measurements of relations captures from CSA S16-14 and EN 1994-1-1 codes. The comparison of the code equations given in CSA S16-14 and EN 1994-1-1 revealed that the equation in CSA S16-14 underestimates the capacity. Also, the failure mode was similar for all three concentrated tests: concrete cracking coupled with the steel flange buckling