Finite element analysis of reinforced concrete bridge pier subjected to seismic loading

Abstract

The evaluation of the damage caused by seismic action, to existing bridges has received an important attention in recent years, because it is the first step towards reducing casualties and economic losses. All reinforced concrete bridges in Iraq which have been constructed were designed by outdated building codes that did not account for large seismic activities and were designed with typical transverse reinforcement spacing that far exceed today's standards and are therefore insufficient to resist the laterally applied loads. The evaluation of the damage caused by earthquakes in existing bridges became necessary in Iraq especially after the huge earthquakes in the neighbor countries such as Bam earthquake in Iran on 26 December 2003 with a magnitude Mw= 6.6 and Van Earthquake in Turkey on 23 October 2011 with a magnitude Mw=7.2. Therefore, this finite element analysis will involve modeling a typical scaled version of a reinforced concrete bridge pier that is usually being used in typical bridges in Iraq. The pier will have a vertical load applied at the top to simulate the dead loads of the superstructure and will also be subjected to seismic loading. The main objective of this study is to investigate the damage in the typical reinforced concrete bridge pier under seismic loads of intensity same as that happened in the area around Iraq and see whether it will support such an earthquake or not.