Behaviour of Cold Formed Columns under Axial Loading with Quartz and Silica In-Filled Concrete

The experimental investigation was carried to study the investigate the behaviour of hollow, Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) and Silica; Quartz replaced concrete in-filled medium light gauge columns subjected to axial loads. The Cold formed sheets were welded continuously welded at the middle along its length. The basic study for the infill materials were carried out initially. For PCC in-fill M40 grade concrete were chosen. A total of 04 columns of 1.50m length were tested, without in fill, with plain concrete in-fill and with Quartz and Silica in-fill having a cross section of 100 x 50x 2mm. All the specimens were tested to failure. Ultimate load, Load – Axial shortening and Load-Strain for all the specimens tested were plotted. With the comparison of hollow columns the Quartz concrete in-filled columns take around 50% more ultimate loads when loaded axially. The in-filled column with Quartz withstands the maximum load; this is due to the fineness modulus property of the material. The Euro Code 4 predicted the ultimate loads closer to that of the experimental loads. Thus Quartz Sand can be used as an alternate filler material.