Seismic Performance of Precast Segmental Bridge Columns on the Basis of Bouc-Wen Hysteresis Model

Abstract

In order to study the seismic performance and hysteresis behavior of precast segmental columns, the Bouc-Wen hysteresis model was improved, considering the strength degradation, stiffness degradation and pinching effect of precast segmental columns. By reasonably selecting the parameters, hysteretic curves of different shapes were obtained to simulate the nonlinear hysteresis characteristics of the piers in actual engineering. Three circular section columns with a scale ratio of 1:3.5 were tested under quasi-static cyclic loading to determine the control parameters that affect the hysteresis characteristics of the model, which are monolithic reinforced concrete columns (MRC), unbonded prestressed precast segmental columns (PSC) and unbonded prestressed precast segmental columns with energy dissipation bars (PSCE). Finally, the Simulink module in Matlab was used to solve the differential equations, and the three tested specimens were simulated respectively. The predicted results were in good agreement with the force-displacement hysteretic curves obtained by the quasi-static test, which proves the improved hysteresis model proposed in this paper can accurately predict the nonlinear hysteretic response of precast segmental columns under cyclic loading protocols.