Bond-slip at anchorage under unidirectional and bidirectional seismic excitation: Search for an efficient mathematical model

Abstract

Reinforcement anchorage slip can significantly contribute to the seismic response of bridge columns, especially to residual deformation. For a reliable numerical model of slip action, the present study evaluates three advanced models, each founded on distinct principles: (a) a macroscopic model (M−I), (b) a microscopic model (M−II), and (c) a mixed model that employed micro-model material properties derived from a macro-model (M−III). The performance of each model under unidirectional shaking has been first validated. The M−I cannot account for bidirectional loading, and as such, the performance of the M−II and M−III has, for the first time, been rigorously examined against the two-component shake table test results. Beginning with the simplified pulses, the responses of representative bridge columns are computed to unidirectional and bidirectional shaking for several near-fault motions. The M−I, M−II, and M−III are fairly similar in mimicking the slip action for unidirectional loading. Also, the M−II and M−III can closely represent the responses to bidirectional shaking. A simple extension of the M−I is proposed to capture the effects of bidirectional loading. The performance of the M−I (extended), M−II, and M−III are shown similar from the viewpoint of representing (i) the seismic fragilities, (ii) the uncertainties of the influential parameters, and (iii) the consequences of a sequence of motions. The detailed scrutiny of a range of models helps select the most appropriate scheme in a specific design context. On the other hand, the less-rigourous model, viz., M−I with the proposed extension, can be used within the limitations of commercial software and can prove useful in routine design for bidirectional seismic action.