Composite column (steel pipe/concrete) design

[WASE]

Does anyone have some good references on the design of composite pipe columns? I know that the AASHTO LRFD has provisions for compression and flexure, but it looks to me like you don't get any real advantage in flexure for the concrete. That doesn't seem quite right.

The application is a bent column, which I'd like to make as slender as possible for aesthetic reasons. Thanks.

 

[rowe]

WASE

The American Institute for Hollow Structural Sections publishes tables for concrete filled steel tubing/pipe as columns.

With regard to aesthetics, a "slimmer" column may not automatically look the best. It should also look (to the average person) substantial enough compared to the roadway it is supporting. Economically, a "fatter" column may allow you to utilize a longer cap span, less columns per bent, and lower construction cost. Hope this has been helpful - Good Luck.