Abstract
The main function of pier is to transmit the load from superstructure to foundation reliably. Under earthquake action, the main failure reason of bridge is the damage of bridge pier. The application of some high-performance materials is helpful to improve the seismic performance of bridge piers. Based on seismic vulnerability analysis, this paper studies the feasibility of using engineered cementitious composite (ECC) and high-strength bars in bridge piers. Taking a rigid pier as an example, a nonlinear numerical model is established by OpenSees software. The reasonable replacement height of ECC in plastic hinge regions, stirrup ratio of pier section, and replacement rate of high-strength bars are obtained through the seismic performance analysis of the pier. Then, seismic vulnerability of rigid pier with ECC and high-strength bars is analyzed. The results show that it is feasible to improve the seismic performance of the piers by using ECC and high-strength bars. Considering the economic rationality, the replacement height of ECC in plastic hinge regions can be determined according to the curvature change point. For the rigid pier, the economical and reasonable volume stirrup ratio is 0.78%. The ultimate curvature of RC/ECC pier bottom increases by 12.4% when the longitudinal bars of the pier are replaced by high-strength bars, and the energy dissipation capacity increases by 22.5% on average. Compared with the pier’s original design, the exceedance probability of each limit state of the rigid pier with ECC and high-strength bars is significantly reduced. Its seismic performance is superior, and the risk of seismic damage is significantly reduced.
Highlights
Bridge is an important carrier for the normal operation of the transportation system and the development of the highway and railway transportation industry. e main function of pier structure is to transmit loads from superstructure to foundation reliably and effectively
Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECCs) are a kind of fiber-reinforced cement-based composite based on the principles of micromechanics and fracture mechanics [2]
In view of the excellent mechanical properties of highstrength bars, taking as an example the pier with 0.78% stirrup ratio in the densified area and the concrete in the plastic hinge regions replaced by ECC, the influence of replacement ratio of high-strength bars in the section of pier on the seismic performance is further studied. e original design of the pier has 82 longitudinal bars in total. e longitudinal bars in the model are replaced by HRB500 highstrength bars. e replacement rate of longitudinal bars is 25%, 50%, and 100% (20, 40, and all longitudinal bars are replaced). en, the nonlinear time-history analysis of the bridge pier is carried out by inputting seismic wave
Summary
Bridge is an important carrier for the normal operation of the transportation system and the development of the highway and railway transportation industry. e main function of pier structure is to transmit loads from superstructure to foundation reliably and effectively. The fracture or damage of piers mostly occurs in the plastic hinge regions. According to Guidelines for Seismic Design of Highway Bridges [1], the ductility deformation capacity is increased by increasing the section size of piers and increasing the bars arrangement in the plastic hinge regions. These traditional ways often increase the difficulty of construction and the cost of engineering structure. The seismic vulnerability of rigid frame piers with ECC and high-strength bars in the plastic hinge regions is analyzed and evaluated
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