Cyclic load tests and finite element modeling of self-centering hollow-core FRP-concrete-steel bridge columns

Abstract

This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations of the seismic performance of a novel self-centering (SC) hollow-core (HC) fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-concrete-steel (SC-HC-FCS) bridge column. This new structure is fabricated by mounting external energy dissipators (ED) and applying unbonded post-tensioned (PT) basalt FRP (BFRP) tendon to the conventional HC-FCS column that consists of an outer FRP tube and an inner steel tube, with the space between filled with concrete. The SC-HC-FCS column combines the advantages of accelerated bridge construction and self-centering. The effects of the initial prestress force values and the configuration of the energy-dissipated aluminum bar on the column performance are studied. Based on the experimental and numerical results, it is found that the proposed SC-HC-FCS column shows adequate self-centering and energy dissipation capacities. However, it is required to properly select the configuration and material properties of the aluminum bar as energy dissipators to further refine the seismic resistance of the SC-HC-FCS column.

Keywords

• Self-centering structures
• Double skin tubular column
• Bridge piers
• Cyclic load test
• FRP
• Finite element model