finite element analysis of reinforced concrete single-column bridge bent with flexural failure under near-fault ground motion

This paper investigated seismic performance of reinforced concrete (rc) single-column bridge bent with flexural failure under near-fault ground motion. innovative nonlinear fiber-based finite element models (fem) with combined damage mechanisms were proposed. cracking and spalling of cover concrete, buckling of longitudinal reinforcing steel bars, and bond-slip effect were considered. to study bond-slip effect, two fem were developed: model 1 (without bond-slip) and model 2 (with bond-slip). nonlinear static cyclic pushover analyses and nonlinear response history analyses under scaled near-fault ground motion were conducted. the simulation results were compared with available pseudo-dynamic test results. various ductility coefficients were evaluated to assess the seismic performance of rc bridge column. the attributes of near-fault ground motion on the seismic responses of rc bridge column were discussed. model 1 overestimated the ultimate lateral load resistance, longitudinal reinforcing steel bar strain, and cover concrete strain. model 1 also underestimated the lateral deflection of rc bridge column. the results of model 2 agree well with experimental observations including hysteretic responses and damage mechanisms. in general, the predictions of both models are in good agreement with the experimental observations. however, model 2 provides improved predictions on the seismic performance of rc single-column bridge bent under near-fault ground motion. it was also observed that maximum responses of rc bridge columns under near-fault motion were characterized by one or few large hysteretic cycles. the proposed models could also help practicing engineers and researchers simulate seismic performance of rc bridge columns under near-fault ground motions in a computationally efficient manner. © 2021, iran university of science and technology.