Experimental evaluation of the effect of bond on the maximum capacity of composite columns

Abstract This paper presents results from an experimental study of the effect of bond between structural steel and concrete on the maximum carrying capacity of composite columns. Fourteen slender battened composite columns were tested under concentric and eccentric loads in major and minor axis bending. The inside face of the steel channels of seven of these columns has been greased to weaken the natural bond between the concrete core and the steel channels. Test results showed that the bond between steel and concrete has no effect on the load carrying capacity of the tested columns. Furthermore, data collected during the tests indicate a stable behaviour of the columns in the absence of bond.