Composite dowels as load introduction devices in concrete-filled steel tubular columns

•An innovative solution of composite dowels connectors was assessed.•These connectors were studied as load introduction devices in composite columns.•The experimental campaign included eleven push tests of CFST columns.•The numerical model was validated with experimental results.•A parametric study was carried out where 161 cases were processed.•A design model was proposed. The application of composite dowel shear connectors extended to endplate joints for beams and concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns is an innovative construction method that provides an effective load introduction between structural elements. These connectors are designed by performing cutouts in laminated steel plates and this open shaped geometry may ensure that transverse reinforcement rebars are disposed at the shear connection region. In this paper an experimental and numerical study was carried out in order to assess the behavior and the resistance of composite dowel connectors applied in CFST columns with compact sections. For the experimental campaign, push tests were carried out with the load applied on the steel tube, and only the concrete core was supported. Finite element (FE) models were simulated using the software ABAQUS and calibrated against the obtained experimental data. Then, a parametric study was carried out where 161 cases were processed. Finally, a design model was proposed to estimate the ultimate strength which had a good correlation with the studied cases.