Nonlinear Analysis of Concrete Bridge Piers

Abstract

The formulation of a fiber model is presented for the second‐order analysis of slender concrete compression members of arbitrary cross section and longitudinal configuration subjected to static biaxial loading. The analytical model uses a tangent stiffness formulation. The stiffness method is used to calculate incremental displacements from applied loads, and incremental forces are then computed from the displacements. The model uses a linear formulation, which has been modified to include various nonlinear effects. The nonlinearities included in this fiber model are P‐delta effects, geometric nonlinearity, material nonlinearity, and sustained load effects. The use of this fiber model for analysis of concrete bridge piers meets design needs not satisfied by current design codes and specifications. An example using the fiber model for analysis of a hollow and tapered slender concrete bridge pier demonstrates its power and versatility.