Creep behavior of reinforced concrete-filled steel tubular columns under axial compression

The reinforced concrete-filled steel tube (RCFST) column solves several of the problems of the concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) column in practical engineering applications. Moreover, RCFST has a simple joint structure, high bearing capacity, good ductility, and superior fire resistance. From a structural safety perspective, designers prioritize the creep performance of CFST members in structural design. Therefore, the creep behavior of RCFST columns should be thoroughly investigated in practical engineering design. To study the influence of the creep behavior of RCFST columns under axial compression, this work analyzed the mechanical behavior of composite columns based on their mechanical characteristics under axial compression and established a creep formula suitable for RCFST columns under axial compression. A creep analysis program was also developed to obtain the creep strain–time curve, and its correctness was verified by existing tests. On this basis, the effects of the main design parameters, such as the stress level, steel ratio, and reinforcement ratio, on the creep behavior were determined and analyzed. The creep of the tested composite columns increased rapidly in the early stages (28 days) of load action; the growth rate was relatively low after 28 days and tended to stabilize after approximately six months. The stress level had the greatest influence on the creep of RCFST columns under axial compression, followed by the steel ratio. The influence of the reinforcement ratio on the creep behavior was less. The results of this study can provide a reference for engineering practice.