Numerical evaluation of seismically retrofitted bridge concrete column under extreme loading

Abstract

AbstractColumns have the most important role for overall stability of bridges and these elements are the most vulnerable structural components under extreme loading too. Therefore, studying and improving the performance of these elements under such loads has attracted widespread attention among researchers. The main objective of this paper is investigating the performance of bridge reinforced concrete columns which seismically retrofitted by steel or CFRP jacketing under blast load via finite element method. The finite element models' assumptions in Abaqus FE software are verified using the correlated experimental data from literature and good agreements have been obtained. Parametric studies are conducted to cover a wide range of factors including transverse and longitudinal reinforcement ratios, blast load intensity, type and thickness of conventional seismic retrofitting jacket. The results reveal that the longitudinal reinforcement ratio presents more effects on decreasing extreme loading demands than the transverse reinforcing. Moreover, utilizing seismically retrofitting jacket, especially CFRP jacket, tend to be an effective way to reduce demands of reinforced concrete column under extreme loading, where its effectiveness increases, in case of more severe events. Also, the current seismic damage state and performance level, can predict the damage level of columns in good agreement with the design specifications.