Title: Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Columns Under Variable Axial Loads: Analysis

Author(s): Asad Esmaeily and Yan Xiao

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 102

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 736-744

Keywords: analysis; column; load; moment

DOI: 10.14359/14669

Date: 9/1/2005

Abstract:
Effects of the magnitude and pattern of the axial load on the lateral response of bridge piers are analyzed and compared with the experimental findings reported in a companion paper. A computer program developed to address the analytical needs of the research was used for the purpose. It included a fiber-based moment-curvature analysis, a plastic hinge method addressing load variations, material models calibrated against test data, and new hysteretic rules. The program was able to predict the column response reasonably well under various loading patterns. Predictions in close agreement with the experimental evidence revealed that the effects of the magnitude and path of axial load were significant. These effects should be addressed in design practice where seismic excitation in lateral and vertical directions is a concern. Analytical tools, including monotonic and hysteresis material models, may be refined further for a better simulation of the behavior under various loading patterns.