Performance assessment of hollow RC bridge columns with triangular reinforcement details

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of hollow reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns with triangular reinforcement details for materials quantity reduction and to provide data for developing improved design criteria. Hollow column sections are designed based on the economic considerations of the cost savings associated with reduced materials and design moments compared with increased construction complexity and hence increased labour costs. The proposed triangular reinforcement details are economically feasible and rational and facilitate shorter construction periods. Five hollow RC bridge columns were tested under a constant axial load and a cyclically reversed horizontal load. The effect of the proposed reinforcement details on the performance of hollow bridge columns was investigated. The computer program RCAHEST (Reinforced concrete analysis in higher evaluation system technology) was used to analyse RC structures. The proposed numerical method for the performance assessment of hollow RC bridge columns was verified by comparison with experimental results. As a result, the proposed reinforcement details were designed prior to the existing reinforcement details in terms of required performance. Additionally, the studies and discussions presented here provide insight into the key behavioural aspects of hollow RC bridge columns with triangular reinforcement details.