Comparative nonlinear seismic analysis of an existing RC bridge designed with obsolete codes

The evolution of seismic design and calculation criteria for highway bridges has a direct influence on their structural behavior. This paper presents a nonlinear dynamic analysis using a detailed 3D finite element model of an existing bridge, with different design criteria for the column transverse reinforcement, according to code requirements of different times. The numerical model is able to simulate both the collapse of the structure and the generation of damage in its elements when subjected to extreme seismic actions. Through the numerical model, it is possible to represent the cyclic behavior of the concrete, and to evaluate the influence of the transverse reinforcement assigned to the column on the overall response of the bridge. The formation of plastic hinges is verified, as well as the identification of different collapse mechanisms.

Behavior of Square RC Short Columns with New Arrangement of Ties Subjected to Axial Load: Experimental and Numerical Studies

Reinforced concrete columns consume large quantities of ties, especially inner cross-ties in columns with large dimensions. In some cases, nesting of the pillars occurs as a result of the presence of cross-ties. The main objective of this paper is to develop new methods for transverse reinforcement in RC columns and investigate their effect on the behavior of the columns. The proposed V-ties as transverse reinforcement replacing the ordinary and cross-ties details are economically feasible. They facilitate shorter construction periods and decrease materials and labor costs. For this purpose, experimental and numerical studies are carried out. In the experimental program, nine reinforced concrete columns with identical concrete dimensions and longitudinal reinforcing bars were prepared and tested under concentric axial load with different tie configurations. The main parameters were the tie configurations and the length (lv) of V-tie legs. As part of the numerical study, the finite element model using the ABAQUS software program obtained good agreement with the experimental results of specimens. A numerical parametric study was carried out to study the influence of concrete compressive strength and longitudinal reinforcement ratio on the behavior of RC columns with the considered tie configurations. Based on the experimental and numerical results, it was found that using V-tie techniques instead of traditional ties could increase the axial load capacity of columns, restrain early local buckling of the longitudinal reinforcing bars and improve the concrete core confinement of reinforced concrete columns.

Crestbond shear connector for load transfer on concrete filled composite columns in fire

ABSTRACT: This paper presents a numerical study of the Crestbond shear connector, characterized by a steel plate with regular cuttings, when used as a load transfer element in concrete filled composite columns in fire. The developed numerical model was calibrated with experimental results of composite columns in fire and later the load transfer devices were inserted. Numerical analyzes were performed with the software Abaqus and comprised the variation of the composite column diameter and of the loading levels, as well as the comparison with the results obtained when is used a through steel plate without cuttings (Shear Flat) as a load transfer device. With the analyzes performed, it was observed that the Crestbond shear connector and the Shear Flat present very similar thermomechanical performance in relation to the load transfer capacity. Thus, the Crestbond shear connector has the potential to be applied alternatively to the Shear Flat as a load transfer device in concrete filled composite columns, with the advantage of the possibility of associate use of longitudinal and manly transverse reinforcement.

Stress-strain state of reinforced concrete structures of the LN-1 and LN-2 retaining walls of Zagorskaya PSPP taking into account the opening of interblock joints and the formation of secondary cracks

Relevance. The lower retaining walls of the water intake of the Zagorskaya PSPP perform the important function of protecting the pressure water conduits from the collapse of the soil massif. Two of them (LN-2 and LN-3) were reinforced with anchor rods. Considering the long period of operation (more than 25 years), certain deviations in the work during examinations and field observations were revealed. So, on the front face of the walls, extended horizontal cracks were recorded (opening of horizontal interblock joints and the emergence of secondary oblique cracks on the front surface of the walls). To carry out computational studies of the stress-strain state of the downstream retaining walls was required. The purpose of the work was to determine the stress-strain state of the lower retaining walls of the water intake of the Zagorskaya PSPP taking into account the opening of interblock joints and the formation of secondary oblique cracks. Methods. Computational studies of the stress-strain state of retaining walls were carried out within the framework of the method of numerical modeling of reinforced concrete structures of hydraulic structures based on finite element models. In finite element models, structural features of retaining walls were reproduced, including anchor rods, horizontal interblock joints, actual reinforcement, secondary oblique cracks. Results. The stress-strain state of the retaining walls was obtained. The stresses in the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement were determined, including when the structure was changed due to anchor rods. In horizontally transverse reinforcement, tensile stresses exceeding the yield point are recorded. It took the development of measures to strengthen the lower retaining walls.

Behavior of Short Columns Constructed using Engineered Cementitious Composites under Seismic Loads

The present research reports the application of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) as an alternative to conventional concrete to improve the brittle shear behavior of short columns. Experimental and finite element investigation was conducted by testing five reinforced engineered cementitious composite (RECC) concrete columns (half-scale specimens) and one control reinforced concrete (RC) specimen for different shear-span and transverse reinforcement ratios under cyclic lateral loads. RECC specimens with higher shear-span and transverse reinforcement ratios demonstrated a significant effect on the column shear behavior by improving ductility (>5), energy dissipation capacity (1.2 to 4.1 times RC specimen), gradual strength degradation (ultimate drift >3.4%), and altering the failure mode. The self-confinement effect of ECC fibers maintained the integrity in the post-peak region and reserved the transmission of stress through fibers without noticeable degradation in strength. Finite element modelling of RECC specimens was carried out by adopting simplified constitutive material models. It was apprehended that the model simulated the global response (strength and stiffness) with an accuracy of about 95%, and captured the shear and flexure crack patterns reasonably well.