Analytical seismic performance assessment of hollow reinforced-concrete bridge columns

The aim of this study is to analytically assess the seismic performance of hollow reinforced-concrete bridge columns using a novel damage index, and to provide data for developing next generation design criteria. Hollow reinforced-concrete bridge columns have been used in the past in place of their solid counterparts in the construction of bridges. These hollow columns have several benefits over solid columns, including the reduction of vertical load applied to the foundation as well as the reduction of seismic mass. Two circular and two rectangular hollow reinforced-concrete bridge columns were tested under a constant axial load and a cyclically reversed horizontal load. A computer program, RCAHEST (Reinforced Concrete Analysis in Higher Evaluation System Technology), is used to analyse reinforced-concrete structures. Novel damage indices aim to provide a means of quantifying numerically the performance level in cast-in-place and precast hollow reinforced-concrete bridge columns sustained under earthquake loading. The proposed numerical method for the seismic performance assessment of hollow reinforced-concrete bridge columns is verified by comparison with the experimental results.