Axial behaviour of prestressed high strength steel tubular members

Abstract

The axial behaviour of high strength steel tubular elements with internal prestress-ing cables, representing the chord members in prestressed trusses, is investigated herein. Ex-periments on tensile and compressive members were carried out, with the key variables exam-ined being the steel grade (S460 and S690), the initial prestress level and the presence of grout. FE models were developed to replicate the experiments and generate parametric results. The presence of cables was shown to enhance the tensile load-carrying capacity of the mem-bers while the application of prestress extended the elastic range. In compression, prestressing was detrimental, and a modified Perry-Robertson design approach was examined.