Experimental Investigation of Thin-walled Column-end Joints Encased in Ultra-lightweight Concrete

A novel thin-walled structural system is under development which aims to utilise the beneficial effect of continuous bracing achieved by encasing CFS elements in ultra-lightweight-concrete. This paper deals with the experimental analysis of column-end joints. Altogether six types of end connection and four cross-sections were tested by 18 unbraced and 48 braced specimens. Based on the results four main zones of the load-displacement curves were defined which represent the behaviour of the different types. The failure modes and ultimate loads were identified and were found to be in close correlation with the results of previous tests on compression members. The experimental test helped to identify the main parameters of thin-walled column-end joints which affect the behaviour of the structural detail.