Finite element simulation of normal – Strength CFDST members with shear connectors under bending loading

•Influence of geometric and material properties on the behavior of the CFDST member with M16 studs under bending is investigated.•The design method proposed by Han et al. [53] provides the most accurate results in predicting the ultimate load of the CFDST member.•The influence of the number and configuration of shear M16 studs on the behavior of the CFDST member becomes effective when at least 6 studs are used. The response of concrete-filled double-skin steel tube (CFDST) members with shear connectors due to bending load is examined using the finite element (FE) method. A three dimensional FE model of the CFDST member with shear connectors (M16 and plate studs) was developed and analyzed using ABAQUS software. In order to demonstrate the accuracy of the FE model, a comparison between the results obtained from FE analysis and experiment was made. The model is further used to perform parametric studies to investigate the influence of geometric and material properties on the behavior of the CFDST member with M16 studs subjected to bending. Additionally, a comparison between the ultimate loads obtained from FE analyses and design predictions was made to evaluate the efficiency of the design predictions of the proposed FE model.