Cyclic Testing for Structural Detail Improvement of CFT Column-Foundation Connections

In this study, concrete-filled tube (CFT) column-to-foundation connections were investigated experimentally to improve the design of their structural details. Initially, five different types of foundation connections, which were classified according to the design parameters incorporating the types of anchor bolts, shear connectors, base members, and reinforced bars used, were fabricated. After conducting structural experiments on these foundation models, the performance and capacity of the individual model cases from the test results were compared with each other. The test results showed that some of the test models designed according to current design guidelines had problems related to the structural details. Therefore, this study proposed an adequate design methodology to improve the performance of foundation components, such as high tension bolt, base frame members, and embedded plate. An analytical investigation of the force-deformation relationship as well as the characteristic strains distributed over the individual foundation components was performed.