Optimization of CFST Column Parameters Employing the Taguchi Method and Finite Element Analysis

Azimi, Masoud; Habibi, Mohammad Reza; Tavana, Mohammah Hadi

doi:10.22034/ijumes.2026.2098262.1398

Optimization of CFST Column Parameters Employing the Taguchi Method and Finite Element Analysis

Document Type : Case Study

Authors

Masoud Azimi

Mohammad Reza Habibi

Mohammah Hadi Tavana

Department of Engineering, Ker.C., Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran

10.22034/ijumes.2026.2098262.1398

Abstract

Concrete-filled steel tubular columns combine the complementary advantages of steel and concrete and are increasingly used as axial-load-carrying members in high-rise and seismic-resistant construction. Problem statement: Because the structural quality of a CFST column depends on several interacting geometric and material parameters, and because full experimental programmes are costly, there is a need for a systematic, economical procedure to identify the parameter combination that optimises column performance. This study determines the optimal construction parameters of a circular CFST column so as to minimise elastic-stiffness loss and von Mises failure stress while maximising load resistance, fatigue resistance and service life by combining finite-element analysis with the Taguchi design of experiments. A CFST column was modelled and solved by the finite-element method in ANSYS. Four control parameters, each at three levels, were arranged in a Taguchi L9 orthogonal array; the resulting nine models were analysed in two loading series, giving the maximum displacement and the maximum von Mises stress, and the responses were evaluated through signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios and mean-effect analysis in Minitab. Stirrup spacing, concrete grade and plate thickness significantly affected column quality, whereas the reinforcement material was almost ineffective. The optimal combination was A2B2C3D1, a 6 cm stirrup spacing, the intermediate plate thickness, 35 MPa concrete and steel reinforcement which produced the lowest von Mises stress and the lowest probability of failure and buckling. The integrated Taguchi–finite-element approach efficiently identifies the parameters that govern CFST-column quality and provides a validated, economical route to optimal composite-column design.

Graphical Abstract

Optimization of CFST Column Parameters Employing the Taguchi Method and Finite Element Analysis

Highlights

· A circular CFST column was optimised by coupling ANSYS finite-element analysis with the Taguchi method.

· Four factors (stirrup spacing, plate thickness, concrete grade, reinforcement) were tested via an L9 array.

· Stirrup spacing, concrete grade and plate thickness significantly affected column quality.

· The reinforcement material had almost no effect on the von Mises failure response.

· The optimal configuration A2B2C3D1 minimised von Mises stress and buckling probability.

Keywords

ANSYS software

CFST column

Finite element analysis

optimization

Taguchi method

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