Flexural behavior of PRCFST column-column connection with transfer sleeves

This paper proposes a new configuration of PRCFST (prefabricated reinforced strength concrete-filled steel tubular) column-column connection with transfer sleeves. First of all, five PRCFST column-column connections were conducted by monotonic loading tests. The failure modes, plastic deformation, and flexural capacity of column-column connections were discussed in detail. Secondly, the finite element analysis (FEA) model was validated in main indices and failure modes. Finally, the flexural performance of PRCFST column-column connections was investigated by parameter analysis. The parameters included width-thickness ratio (D/t), column cross-sectional size (D), anchorage length (l0), and the number of steel bars (n), steel bars strength (fy,r), concrete (fc), and shear-span radio (L/D). The size effect is one of the main parameters to affect the flexural capacity of the PRCFST column-column connections. The flexural capacity of the PRCFST column-column connection increased with the l0, n and fy,r, while decreased with D/t. But the fc and shear-span ratio L/D play a little effect on the flexural capacity of the new PRCFST column-column connections.