Title: Seismic Performance of Bridge Footings Designed to Current Standards

Author(s): Y. Xiao, M. J. N. Priestley, and F. Seible

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 187

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 131-158

Keywords: bridges; columns; design; ductility; flexural strength; footing; shear strength

DOI: 10.14359/5597

Date: 6/1/1999

Abstract:
In order to provide experimental background for current seismic design of bridge footings, a 0.4:1 scale circular-column footing model was tested. The model was designed and constructed based on a footing of an actual prototype bridge which was built following current bridge design standards. The model pier was tested in a vertical cantilever condition with cyclic horizontal displacements and constant axial load applied to the top of the column. The pier was supported on rubber pads simulating the compressive flexibility of pile foundation, with high tensile strength bars simulating the compressive flexibility of pile foundation, with high horizontal displacement, the pier developed a satisfactory hysteretic response with a full plastic hinge formed at the bottom of the column. However, test results and theoretical analyses revealed potential problems in current bridge footing design, in particular, the lack of the column/footing joint shear design as well as non-conservative flexural and shear designs which are based on full effectiveness of the entire footing width.