Abstract

Round-ended concrete-filled steel tubes (RECFSTs) present very different performances between the primary and secondary axes, which renders them particularly suitable for use as bridge piers and arches. In recent years, research into RECFST heavily relies on experimental procedures restricting the parameter range under consideration, which narrows the far-reaching applicability of RECFST. This study employs advanced machine learning methods to predict the axial load-bearing capacity of RECFST with a wide parameter range. Firstly, a machine learning database comprising 2400 RECFSTs is established, which covers a wider range of commonly used material strengths and cross-sectional dimensions. Three machine learning prediction models of this database are then developed, respectively, using different algorithms. The robustness of the machine learning models is evaluated by predicting the axial load-bearing capacity of 60 RECFST specimens from existing references. The results demonstrated that the machine learning models provided superior predictive accuracy compared to theoretical or code-based formulas. A graphical user interface (GUI) is ultimately developed based on the machine learning prediction models to predict the axial load-bearing capacity of RECFST. This tool facilitates rapid and accurate RECFST design.