Behavior of Partially Encased Composite Columns Subjected to Eccentric Compression

The eccentric comprehensive study has been conducted on 8 specimens to investigate the behavior of partially encased concrete (PEC) columns. The H-section steel is stiffened with transverse link and concrete is poured between the flanges of the steel section. Effects of width-to-thickness ratio of flange, hoops ratio and eccentricity of the axial load on columns capacities are studied. The failure of all columns was due to local buckling of the flanges along with concrete crushing. The experimental results show that the load-carrying capacity is reduced with increased width-to-thickness ratio of flange. The hoops ratio has no obvious influence for eccentrically loaded columns capacity, but which are important parameters affecting ductility of PEC columns. Closer link spacing improves the ductility of the columns; however, the measurements show that in general yielding did not occur before the peak load in the links.