As buildings are becoming larger, demand for large-scale composite columns for heavy load is increasing. Welded built-up CFT column (ACT Column I) previously developed by authors of this study is structurally stable and economical. Characteristic of welded built-up CFT column is that there is a limitation of cross-sectional size and application of external diaphragm connection to ensure continuity of rib. Then, composite mega column (ACT Column II) was developed to improve limit of cross-sectional size. Composite mega column has a closed cross section like welded built-up CFT column, but thick plate is inserted between cold-formed steel to expand cross section size. However, when external diaphragm connection is applied to composite mega column, amount of steel is increased greatly and interference with finishing material occurs. In this study, internal diaphragm connection is applied through characteristic of composite mega column to which beam flange or stiffener can be attached to plate. In order to analyze this, simple tensile experiment of composite mega column connection with T-shaped stiffener was performed.

As buildings are becoming larger, demand for mega-sized composite columns (over 1-meter diameter) is increased. We have developed and commercialized welded built-up CFT column (ACT Column I) since 2005 which are structurally stable and economical using cold-formed steel with rib. However, there has a limit in size of cross section (618˟618mm) by a fabrication facilities. And due to characteristics of closed cross section, there has a limit to construction of connection of moment frame. Composite mega column (ACT Column II) has same concept of forming closed cross section. But in order to enlarge cross sectional size, thick plate is inserted between cold-formed steels. Since composite mega column can control thickness and width of thick plate, steel or composite beams can be directly attached to the connection. In this study, we propose strength formula of composite mega column to beam connections with T-shaped stiffener as internal diaphragm and verified through finite element analysis and simple tensile experiment.

As the ridges become larger and larger, a structural type that enables effective utilization of the long span and space is required. In the construction stage, the steel column supports the installation load. However, in order to secure the stability against the out - of - plane deformation of the steel column due to the lateral pressure when the concrete is laid, a binding frame is installed inside the steel pipe at constant intervals to resist the concrete installation pressure. When the concrete is cured and its performance as a composite section is exerted, a stress is generated which pushes the steel pipe out of the plane by the column compressive force. In this case, since the binding frame controls the deformation, the local buckling is delayed and the constraining effect on the concrete is increased. In order to evaluate the structural performance and behavior of the composite mega column according to the eccentricity effect and the effect of the binding frame, we carried out a structural test by fabricating eight monopole specimens with the binding frame reinforcement, reinforcing gap, reinforced cross section and eccentricity , And the experimental results are compared with the KBC2016 design formula.

Composite columns are increasingly used due to the construction of super-tall buildings and large-scale buildings. Studies on the shapes of and construction technologies for structural members using steel tubes are being conducted actively. Welded built-up CFT columns previously developed and commercialized by the authors of this study (ACT-1 columns) are structurally stable and economically efficient. However, the 1m limit in the width of the columns and their small interior spaces impose a difficulty in installing reinforcing materials and thus deteriorate the ease and efficiency with which they are constructed. This study suggests placing thick plates at the centers of the surfaces of the existing ACT-1 column and installing a binding frame (binding frames) at the central thick plates to enhance the integrity and resist lateral pressure caused by concrete casting. Finite element analysis was conducted with the variables of the number and cross-sectional size of the binding frame and the cross-sectional size of the steel tube to estimate the structural behavior of the steel tubes. Hydraulic tests were conducted to analyze load-displacement relations and identify the influence of the binding frames on the relations. The variables in the tests were the number and cross-sectional size of the binding frame, welding details, column joint and the cross-sectional size of the steel tube

Connection details were developed for the composite column using high strength steel angles. Load-carrying capacity, deformation capacity, and load transfer mechanism of three beam-to-column joint specimens were evaluated under cyclic load tests. In the experiments, mega columns were used for the application in high-rise buildings