Stability of light steel thin-walled structures filled with lightweight concrete

Abstract The article presents the results of stability calculation of reinforced concrete columns using light steel thin-walled structures investigation. Two steel thin-walled profiles of type “C” or “∑” were used as the steel shell of such columns. The profiles were combined in the form of a box section with bolts. To increase the stability of the shell, the inner cavity was filled with concrete with lightweight aggregates. Technique of steel thin-walled elements stability calculation with consideration of concreting and joint work of the whole structure involves two types of calculation: for central compression and for joint action of compression and uniaxial bending. To verify the analytical calculations, a computer simulation was performed, which proved the correctness of the theoretical calculations and made it possible to clearly observe the different forms of column stability loss at different coefficients of overload. It was found that the increase of bearing capacity due to the thickness of the profile varies within 2-10%. For smaller profiles this difference is significant (10-23%), and for larger profiles - smaller (5-8%). This is due to the complexity of the manufacturing technology and the cost of materials.