NEES@UNR
NEES

Seismic Simulation and Design of Bridge Columns under Combined Actions, and Implications on System Response

 

Circular Column C1 - Shake Table Test

 

For Information on the Entire Project Click Here

 

PI:
David H. Sanders, Professor, University of Nevada, Reno


Research Associates:
Juan G. Arias-Acosta


Sponsored by:
National Science Foundation through NEHRP under Grant NEESR-SG-0530737

 

Introduction

 

During moderate to large earthquakes, reinforced concrete bridge columns (RCC) are subjected to combinations of actions and deformations, caused by spatially-complex earthquake ground motions, structural configurations and the interaction between input and response characteristics. As a result, the seismic behavior of RCC will be seriously affected, and that in turn influences the performance of bridges as critical components of transportation systems. In addition, current analysis methods, behavior theories and design practices do not take into consideration the full range of interactions, due to the scarcity of experimental data and a lack of behavioral understanding.

 

In order to address the complex behavior of bridge members under combined loadings and its impact on system response, a comprehensive project sponsored by the National Science Foundation was established in 2006. This project includes researchers from six institutions, and the objectives are to develop a fundamental knowledge of the impact of combined actions on column performance and their implications on system response through analytical and experimental research.

 

The work at UNR focuses on the development of refined analysis and shaking table tests of small-scale models of bridge columns subjected to different levels of biaxial, torsion and vertical loads through real time earthquake motions. The performance of the specimens will be assessed in terms of strength, deformation, energy dissipation and failure mode. These results will be used to validate analytical tools, developing new inelastic models for RCC under combined loadings and to propose new design methodologies.

 

Eight specimens will be tested on the shake table facility at UNR under bidirectional excitation.  The first of these tests will be conducted on Friday June 5, 2009. These tests are part of a small group project funded by NEESR-SG-0530737 under funding from NSF through NEHRP.  Other institution involved in this project include: University of California, Los Angeles, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Washington University, St. Louis, University of Houston, and George Washington University.  One specimen configuration will be circular, while the other will be a cross section with interlocking spirals.  The first specimen tested will circular.

 

Handout:
A handout describing the test can be downloaded here: Download Handout
Acrobat Reader is required to view the handouts