Abstract: A finite element analysis (FEA) model for conical hollow steel tube-reinforced concrete laminate stub columns subjected to axial compression was developed in the flatform of ABAQUS. The tests of 12 stub columns under axial compression were conducted. The predicted load versus deformation curves and failure modes were in good agreement with the testing results. The FEA model was then used to investigate the mechanisms of such composite columns further. The interactions between the inner steel tube and the reinforced concrete were analyzed. And then, the main parameters influencing the initial stiffness, ultimate strength and load-deformation curves such as taper, strength of the materials, hollow ratio and reinforcement ratio were investigated.