Title: Strength and Ductility of Concrete Bridge Columns Under Seismic Loading

Author(s): M. J. N. Priestley and R. Park

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 84

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 61-76

Keywords: axial loads; bridges (structures); columns (supports); compression; confined concrete; ductility; dynamic loads; foundations; earthquake resistant structures; flexural strength; reinforced concrete; reinforcing steels; strains; tests; Structural Research

DOI: 10.14359/2800

Date: 1/1/1987

Abstract:
A wide-ranging research project aimed at improving understanding of seismic performance of bridge substructures is briefly reviewed. Theoretical considerations relating to the interdependence of strength, ductility, bridge geometry, and foundation flexibility are developed for bridges responding inelastically to earthquake attack. Extensive test results for reinforced concrete bridge columns subjected to axial load together with inelastic reversals of lateral displacements are presented. Section shapes tested included square, octagonal, diagonally loaded square, hollow circular, and hollow square columns. Other variables included axial load level, amount and yield strength of confining reinforcement, and aspect ratio. Results indicate that current methods for predicting flexural strength invariably underestimated the true flexural strength by a substantial margin, particularly when axial load levels were high. A new design method for predicting the flexural strength and ductility of confined bridge columns is proposed.