Seismic Performance of RC Circular Colunm-Bent Piers under Bidirectional Repeated Loadings according to Main Loading Direction

2축 반복하중을 받는 2주형 RC 원형교각의 주하중방향에 따른 내진성능평가

A RC column-bent pier represents one of the most popular piers used in highway bridges. Seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) column-bent piers under bidirectional seismic loadings was experimentally investigated. Six column bent-piers were constructed with two circular supporting columns which were made in 400mm diameter and 2,000mm height. Test parameters are different transverse reinforcement and loading pattern. These piers were tested under lateral load reversals with the axial load of $0.1f_{ck}A_g$. Three specimens were subjected to bidirectional lateral load cycles which consisted of two main longitudinal loads and two sub transverse loads in one load cycle. Other three specimens were loaded in the opposite way. Test results indicated that lateral strength and ductility of the latter three specimens were generally bigger than those of the former three specimens. Plastic hinges were formed with the spall of cover concrete and the fracture of the longitudinal reinforcing steels in the bottom plastic hinge of two supporting columns for the former three specimens. Similar behavior was observed in the top and bottom parts of two supporting columns for the latter three specimens.