Non-linear finite element modeling of damages in bridge piers subjected to lateral monotonic loading

Abstract

Bridges are among the most vulnerable structures to earthquake damage. Most bridges are seismically inadequate due to outdated bridge design codes and poor construction methods in developing countries. Although expensive, experimental studies are useful in evaluating bridge piers. As an alternative, numerical tools are used to evaluate bridge piers, and many numerical techniques can be applied in this context. This study employs Abaqus/Explicit, a fnite element program, to model bridge piers nonlinearly and validate the proposed computational method using experimental data. In the fnite element program, a single bridge pier having a circular geometry that is being subjected to a monotonic lateral load is simulated. In order to depict damages, Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP), a damage model based on plasticity, is adopted. Concrete crushing and tensile cracking are the primary failure mechanisms as per CDP. The CDP parameters are determined by employing modifed Kent and Park model for concrete compressive behavior and an exponential relation for tension stifening. The performance of the bridge pier is investigated using an existing evaluation criterion. The infuence of the stress–strain relation, the compressive strength of concrete, and geometric confguration are taken into consideration during the parametric analysis. It has been observed that the stress–strain relation, concrete strength, and confguration all have a signifcant impact on the column response.