Ductility capacity of existing RC bridge piers in Australia

Authors

M Neaz Sheikh, University of WollongongFollow
H H. Tsang, The University of Hong KongFollow

RIS ID

35458

Publication Details

Sheikh, M. N. & Tsang, H. H. (2011). Ductility capacity of existing RC bridge piers in Australia. In S. Fragomeni, S. Venkatesan, N. T.K.. Lam & S. Setunge (Eds.), Incorporating Sustainable Practice in Mechanics of Structures and Materials (pp. 383-388). Netherlands: CRC Press.

Abstract

Research findings over the past two decades have resulted in significant changes to the seismic design provisions of bridge design codes worldwide. One of the major changes that has taken place is seismic detailing requirements, especially the amount of spacing of transverse reinforcement in RC bridge piers. With the adoption of new seismic loading standards in Australia (AS1170.4-2007), bridge desiin code (AS5100.5-2004) may also be changed in near future commensurate with the changes in the seismic loading standards. Although it may not pose any problem for the design of new bridges, it might be more onerous for existing bridge inventory and may require seismic retrofitting. The decision of retrofitting to existing deficient bridge piers will largely depend on their inherent ductility capacity. This paper investigates the ductility capacity of existing bridge piers in Australia and also assesses their vulnerability in different design ground motions based on Australia Standard AS 1170.4-2007.