Experimental investigation and numerical simulation on seismic performance of self-centering bridge bents with energy-dissipation beams

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This study explores the creation of self-centering bridge bents with energy-dissipation (ED) beams to enhance seismic resilience. This design combines the concepts of cast-in-place bridge bents with ED components and self-centering rocking piers. The self-centering bridge bent with ED beams integrates cooperative mechanisms, for bearing, stability, energy dissipation, and recoverable capacity. Two types of specimens were designed and constructed: self-centering bridge bents with and without ED beams, referred to as specimens SCB-EDB and SCB, respectively. Quasi-static tests were conducted to thoroughly assess the seismic performance, including lateral force, stiffness, energy dissipation, and self-centering capacity, of these specimens. The results show that both specimens exhibit a distinct flag-shaped hysteresis curve, demonstrating good self-centering capacity. However, the ED beams slightly reduce the self-centering capacity of the bridge bent. Specimen SCB-EDB shows significantly higher lateral force, stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity than specimen SCB. The ED beams also contribute to reducing damage and sliding of the column. Numerical models were established in OpenSees to reproduce the test results of specimens SCB-EDB and SCB. The numerical results closely match the corresponding test results, effectively capturing the hysteresis behavior, skeleton curves, stiffness variations, and energy dissipation capacity. Consequently, both numerical models could accurately replicate the quasi-static test results.