NEESR-SG: Seismic Simulation and Design of Bridge Columns under Combined Actions, and Implications on System Response
David Sanders, University of Nevada, Reno, PI
Ashraf Ayoub, University of Houston
Abdeldjelil DJ Belarbi, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Co-PI
Shirley Dyke, Washington University, Co-PI
Amr Elnashai, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Co-PI
Pedro Silva, George Washington University
Jian Zhang, University of California, Los Angeles, Co-PI
Sponsored by:
National Science Foundation through NEHRP under Grant NEESR-SG-0530737
Bridge columns are subjected to combinations of actions and deformations, caused by spatially-complex earthquake ground motions, features of structural configurations and the interaction between input and response characteristics. Combined actions/loadings can have significant effects on the force and deformation capacity of reinforced concrete columns, resulting in unexpected large deformations and extensive damage that in turn influences the performance of bridges as vital components of transportation systems. These effects should be considered in earthquake analysis and design of bridges so that significant earthquake damage and severe disruption of transportation systems can be reduced. The objectives of the project are to develop a fundamental knowledge of the impact of combined actions on column performance and system response and to establish analysis and design procedures that include the impact at both the component and system levels. The objectives will be realized by integrating analytical and experimental research where physical tests are driven by analyses and simulations that examine the system response of various bridge types under different loading conditions. The analytical models are calibrated by experimental data and then extended to system response.
The experimental program includes quasi-static testing of twenty-four large columns (fourteen will be funded by NEES) providing fundamental behavior including the impact of torsional moments at University of Missouri, Rolla (UMR), pseudo-dynamic testing of three large and four small scale columns with variable axial load, within a bridge system simulation, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), real-time dynamic testing of eight large scale columns with bidirectional, torsional and variable axial load inputs at University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), four tests provided by the University of Mexico (UNAM), plus an integrated experiment with three columns linked through simulation, conducted at UIUC by UMR. Fragility analysis will be undertaken, leading to the derivation of probabilistically-based fragility relationships for bridges subjected to combined action. Simplified analysis and design tools will be developed as well as the necessary code language to change the existing practice. Design and analysis methods will be derived that will affect the earthquake design practice in the US and internationally. Coordination of an integrated test program has already begun between the US and Japanese researchers. Analysis components will be done at UCLA, UIUC, UMR and UNR.
An integrated education, training and outreach program, lead by Washington University, will span from 4th graders to practicing engineers. Modules will be developed for teachers and professors that can be inserted in their courses. Modules will be used by the research team in summer camps, visits to local elementary, middle and high schools, undergraduate and graduate courses and in continuing education courses. Specific programs are targeted towards underrepresented groups. To achieve its objectives, the project will utilize the NEESit cyber-infrastructure, state-of-the-art instrumentation and high-speed data acquisition systems, the NEES equipment sites at UNR and UIUC and the non-NEES site at UMR, which has committed to joining NEESgrid.
This presentation provides more information about the project.
For information on individual tests click on a link below:
Test 1: Circular Column C1 (Biaxial bending)
Test 2: Circular Column C2 (Biaxial bending + torsion)
Test 3: Double Interlocking Column I1 (Biaxial bending)
Investigators
David Sanders, University of Nevada, Reno, PI
sanders@unr.edu, Phone: 775-784-4288
Ashraf Ayoub, University of Houston
asayoub@uh.edu, Phone: 713-743-4285
Abdeldjelil DJ Belarbi, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Co-PI
belarbi@mst.edu, Phone: 573-341-4478
Shirley Dyke, Washington University, Co-PI
sdyke@wustl.edu, Phone: 314-935-5695
Amr Elnashai, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Co-PI
aelnash@uiuc.edu, Phone: 217-265-5497
Pedro Silva, George Washington University
silvap@gwu.edu, Phone: 202-994-7446
Jian Zhang, University of California, Los Angeles, Co-PI
zhangj@ucla.edu, Phone: 310-825-7986
Other Participants:
Sherif Elfass, University of Nevada, Reno, elfass@unr.edu, Phone: 775-784-6664
