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.