Behaviour of polymer-filled–concrete–steel double-skin tubular columns under combined lateral impact and axial compression loading
Publication Name
Structures
Abstract
The paper presents a study on the suitability of using a Polymer as a protective layer for critical structural elements prone to impact damage. Conventional damage mitigation methods include using an outer steel jacket with a void, protecting the inner concrete-steel composite column. Whilst it is usually found that the outer steel jacket can partially negate the impact load, the inner column still experiences a significant brunt of the impact load. In order to minimise the damage to the overall critical structural element, a concept of a Polyurethane Polymer-Filled–Concrete–Steel Double-Skin Tubular Column is proposed. Scaled-down versions of two polymer-filled double-skin column configurations were tested under low-velocity impact using a drop tower. The pre and post-damage columns were tested for their axial capacities. These polymer-filled columns were critically compared to their nominal samples without the Polyurethane fill. It was shown that the mid-span deflection and localised indentations were reduced by 17%, and the localised deformations (at the point of impact) were reduced by up to 70% overall. The columns with Polyurethane also showcased retention of 70% of axial capacity post-impact, whilst the nominal sample was only capable of retaining 48%. Finally, the intrinsic properties of Polyurethane were discussed along with a critical discussion on its ability and mechanism on how energy is dissipated by comparing mechanical and chemical properties.
Open Access Status
This publication is not available as open access
Volume
56
Article Number
104936
Funding Sponsor
University of New South Wales