Title:
Seismic Vulnerability of Reinforced Concrete Columns with Structural Flares
Author(s):
N. Wehbe and M. S. Saiidi
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
187
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
275-298
Keywords:
bridge columns; ductility; flexural capacity; reinforced concretes.
DOI:
10.14359/5603
Date:
6/1/1999
Abstract:
This paper presents an analytical study on the seismic vulnerability of flared reinforced concrete bridge columns with structural flares. Four representative bridges, located in Northern Nevada, are included in the study. The flared columns in these bridges have similar architectural features and cross sectional dimensions but are reinforced with different steel arrangements. The "push-over" method of analysis is applied to predict the locations of plastic hinges in the columns and the corresponding shear demands under lateral earthquake loading material over strength on the ductility and the flexural capacity of different cross sections along the column height. It is shown that in parabolic structural flares the location of plastic hinges is strongly dependent on the longitudinal steel arrangement and that the shear capacity of flared columns without core reinforcement may be inadequate under lateral earthquake loading.