Structural Performance of Partially Encased Orthogonal Composite Columns with Bond Strength Strategies

Partially Encased Composite (PEC) columns are structural elements comprising a steel section with concrete partially encased between the flanges. These columns are widely adopted in multistorey building construction, particularly as corner columns, due to their ability to optimize floor space and provide structural efficiency. Despite their advantages, PEC columns are susceptible to issues such as inadequate bond strength between steel and concrete, local buckling of steel components, and crushing of the encased concrete under axial loads. This study focuses on evaluating the global stability of a partially encased composite column with an L-shaped cross-section (L-PEC column), aiming to enhance bond strength and load-bearing capacity. The research explores the effect of incorporating castellations and corrugations on the steel web to improve the interaction between steel and concrete. Additionally, the use of steel hoops and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) wrapping is investigated to mitigate local buckling and concrete crushing, thereby enhancing the overall structural performance. A detailed parametric study was also carried out to assess the influence of various factors on the column's behavior.