Stiffener configurations of beam to concrete-filled tube column connections

The objective of this research is to study the ultimate moment capacity of the connections between steel I-beams and concrete-filled steel tube columns using different stiffener configurations. The main parameters considered are column cross section shape, square or circular, and filling the column with concrete. This analytical study includes finite element models using ANSYS program taking geometric and material nonlinearities into consideration. These models are verified against the experimental results obtained from previous researches and current design guides. The results show that using proper stiffener configuration affects the stress distribution through the connection and increases the ultimate moment capacity of the connections. Also, circular column is advantageous than the square column for all stiffener configurations and dimensions.