Experimental and numerical investigation on punching shear behavior of an enhanced embedded column base for CFSTs

To improve the punching shear resistance, an enhanced embedded column base for concrete-filled steel tubes has been proposed, where a pair of strengthening beams are installed on the embedded region of the steel tube by the diaphragm plates. Punching tests were first conducted on eight specimens to investigate the working mechanism of this kind of column base. The test parameters included the length and embedded depth of the strengthening beam. The test results indicated that the punching shear section initiated from the diaphragm plate, which enlarged the punching cone and improved the punching shear resistance. The numerical modelling was also performed. First, finite element models were established and validated against the test results. Full-scale models were then developed to conduct the parametric studies and enrich the database. Finally, a calculation method to evaluate the punching shear resistance of the enhanced embedded column base was proposed and validated. This calculation method takes into account the bonding force, the resistance of the concrete and stirrups on the critical section, and the contribution of the diaphragm plates and strengthening beams.