Seismic PerformanceEvaluation of Reinforced Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Pile/Column Bridge Bents

摘要

The seismic performance of reinforced concrete-filled steel tube (RCFST) pile/column bridge bents is examined based on the results of large-scale experimental tests, inelastic dynamic analyses, and parametric moment curvature analyses. It was found that when the pile/column is subjected to double curvature bending, the damage limit states are largely controlled by the tensile strain in the steel longitudinal bars at the top hinge. When the pile/column is subjected to single curvature bending, the limit states are controlled by the tensile strain in the steel tube at the below-ground hinge. However, for the single curvature bending case and relatively thick steel tubes it was also found that the pile/ column is likely to remain elastic during a seismic event. Strain limit states are proposed and expressions to relate the strain limits with section curvatures are developed.