Abstract: Based on the cyclic loading experiments of three RC members and eleven encased CFST members with a prefabricated high-strength concrete filled steel tube core, the failure pattern, failure modes and shear bearing capacity of the members were thoroughly investigated. On the basis of the failure characteristic and the measured load-deflection curves, the effects of steel tube size, shear span ratio and welding studs on the shear bearing capacity of the members were critically examined. The results indicated that the specimens suffered diagonal-compression failure and shear-compression failure. The shear capacities increased with the increases of aspect ratio, and it was effective to improve the shear capacity by welding studs. Based on the existing specification and test results, truss-arch theory was applied here to analyze the shear capacity of the members. The results obtained from the proposed method agree well with those of pertinent experiments.