Title:
Advanced Numerical Modeling Methodology for Strength Evaluation of Deep Bridge Bent Caps
Author(s):
Serhan Guner, and Anish Sharma
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
3/24/2019
Abstract:
Due to the increase in traffic and transported freight in the past decades, a significant number of in-service bridges have been subjected to loads above their original design capacities. Bridge structures typically incorporate deep reinforced concrete elements, such as cap beams or bents, that have higher shear strength than slender elements. However, most in-service bridges did not account for deep beam effects in their original design due to the lack of suitable analysis methods during their design. Since the cost to rehabilitate all the overloaded bridges is prohibitive, an advanced computational analysis methodology is needed to provide a better understanding of the structural behavior and an accurate assessment of the load capacity of deep bridge bents. This study presents a state-of-the-art nonlinear analysis modeling method for the strength evaluation of reinforced concrete bridge bents while accounting for the deep beam action and advanced concrete behaviors such as tension stiffening, compression softening, and dowel action. As a case study, an existing bridge bent is examined. The effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method are discussed while comparing the calculated behavior including the load-deflection response, strength capacity, crack pattern, damage progression, and failure mode with strut-and-tie and sectional analysis methods.