Finite element analysis of reinforced concrete bridge pier subjected to seismic loading

Abstract

Many reinforced concrete bridges in Massachusetts have been constructed from the 1950's to the 1970's. These bridges were designed by outdated building codes that did not account for large seismic activities and were designed with typical transverse reinforcement spacing that far exceed today's standards and are therefore insufficient to resist the laterally applied loads. This finite element analysis will involve modeling a scaled version of a reinforced concrete bridge pier column that is being used in Chelmsford Massachusetts. The column will have an axial load applied at the top to simulate the dead loads of the superstructure and will also be subjected to a seismic loading. The cyclic loading will be controlled by the yield displacement, which is calculated using the yield curvature obtained from a computer analysis. The objective of these tests will be to investigate the behavior of the reinforced concrete column, particularly in the plastic hinge region where the failure is predicted. Results will show that spalling of the concrete will occur at the base of the column, which will initiate failure with little energy dissipation.