Seismic Damage States and Response Parameters for Bridge Columns

Abstract

Detailed data from 30 bridge column models, mostly tested on shake tables, were evaluated to determine the correlation between the apparent damage and internal and external seismic response parameters. The majority of the columns were of circular cross section. The columns were divided into five categories based on seismic design, shear demand, and ground motion type. Five distinct damage states were proposed based on the apparent damage. Six response parameters were also defined in terms of drift, frequency, strains, yielding, and ultimate displacements. The correlation between damage states and the response parameters were determined for each column category. The results demonstrate a general trend relating damage states to response parameters. Using the observed damage and the data presented in this article it was shown that an estimate of a non-dimensionalized push over curve may be made.