Behavior of circular and square reinforced concrete bridge columns under combined loading including torsion

During earthquake excitations, reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns can be subjected to torsional, flexural, axial, and shear loading. This experimental study investigates the seismic performance of RC bridge columns wit low axial compression under combined loading, including torsion. The effect of different cross-sectional shapes (circle and square), hysteretic torsional and flexural response, damage distribution, and ductility characteristics with respect to various torsion-to-bending moment (T/M) ratios are examined. Interaction diagrams were established based on experimental results. The findings indicate that the failure of the circular and square columns under pure torsion was caused by significant diagonal shear cracking, leading to the formation of a torsional plastic hinge at the middle-height of the column. Dowel action of longitudinal bars contributed significantly to the load resistance at higher cycles of loading under pure torsion. The existence of torsion altered the patterns of damage to RC columns under combined loading. The ultimate lateral load and displacement capacity of the column degraded with increasing levels of torsion. The decrease of T/M also resulted in the degradation of the tortional moment and ultimate twist capacity. Directions for future research are discussed.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/13846957
• Authors:
  • Prakash, S Suriya
  • Li, Qian
  • Belarbi, Abdeldjelil
• Publication Date: 2012-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 317-327
• Serial:
  • ACI Structural Journal
  • Volume: 109
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: American Concrete Institute (ACI)
  • ISSN: 0889-3241
  • Serial URL: http://www.concrete.org/PUBS/JOURNALS/SJHOME.ASP

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Columns; Earthquakes; Load tests; Loads; Reinforced concrete bridges; Shape; Torsion
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01447605
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 28 2012 9:10AM