Nonlinear dynamic analysis of RC bridge piers based on FENAP platform

In order to simulate nonlinear dynamic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers finely, based on FENAP simulation platform for RC fiber beam-column element, a principle of nonlinear dynamics was studied, which combined fiber beam-column element and ABAQUS finite element software. A process of dynamic analysis was derived and a nonlinear dynamic analysis module of the FENAP simulation platform was developed. A numerical test of a RC bridge pier under unilateral seismic excitation and a shaking table test of a RC bridge pier under bilateral seismic excitations were simulated using the developed module of FENAP. The results indicate that on the developed nonlinear dynamic analysis module of FENAP, complicated nonlinear dynamic behavior of RC bridge piers with coupling effect of bilateral bending moments and axial force may be simulated effectively. The solution accuracy and computational efficiency are higher. This module provides a practical method to simulate seismic disaster evolution process of large bridges.