Title:
Experimental Study of Two-Way Reinforced Concrete Column Hinges under Seismic Loads
Author(s):
M. Saiid Saiidi, Zhi-yuan Cheng, and David Sanders
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
106
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
340-348
Keywords:
DOI:
10.14359/56498
Date:
5/1/2009
Abstract:
Two-way reinforced concrete hinges are used in many bridge columns. An experimental and analytical study of the performance of these hinges was undertaken to determine the effect of different parameters on the response and to develop a rational method for their seismic design. The focus of this paper is on the experimental part of the study. Five 1/3-scale reinforced concrete bridge column models with two-way hinges were tested on a shake table. The effects of column rotation, axial load, and hinge diameter were studied. The measured data showed that columns and hinges with sufficient confinement exhibit stable and ductile response. Permanent hinge slippage occurs, but it is not necessarily detrimental to the overall response. The hinge gap needs to be enlarged well beyond that used in the current practice. The study also showed that the hinge friction coefficient under cyclic loading is, on average, 20% lower than the coefficient recommended by ACI 318-05.