Abstract
This research explores potential application of entangled wire materials as intermediate layers between segments of pre-tensioned segmental bridge columns. An ensemble of free-decay vibration tests was conducted on small-scale columns with various configurations of intermediate layers. Wooden blocks were used for segments and the entire system was tightened together using a pre-tensioned steel tendon. Damping and frequency of the columns were determined and compared. It is demonstrated that entangled wire materials substantially increase total damping of the entire system in rocking. This result is very encouraging for future application of entangled wire materials in testing large-scale pre-tensioned segmental bridge columns. However, shear and axial stiffness of the layers require further improvement to reduce their large shear and axial deformations.
Highlights
Wooden blocks were used for segments and the entire system was tightened together using a pre-tensioned steel tendon
This work addresses the potential use of entangled wire materials in a novel bridge pier inspired from human spine mechanism
A suit of free-decay vibration experiments were carried out on a small-scale column made from wooden blocks as vertebrae and entangled wire material layers as intervertebral discs, tightened r by a steel tendon
Summary
Bridges play an important role in transportation systems and any disruption in normal performance of bridges imposes high financial costs after destructive earthquakes. On the other hand, entangled wire materials (EWMs – called metal rubber) are increasingly used in the aerospace industry as dampers in pipes and gas turbine engines, and are considered as a good shock-absorbent material due to its favourable fatigue life and high damping These properties make EWMs a potential alternative for use in the biologically-inspired bridge pier as intervertebral disks. Dynamic performance of EWMs under large deformations are investigated in this work for their potential use in the novel biologically-inspired bridge pier. The proof of concept studies on the rocking behaviour of the novel biologicallyinspired bridge pier showed promising results, an alternative material to the rubber layers is needed to increase energy dissipation capacity in the system. This work is a preliminary study to lay the scientific foundation for further development of this novel system to be tested at large scales for potential use in engineering practice
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