Author:
Deng Jiangdong,Zhang Fang
Abstract
The seismic responses of functionally graded concrete piers with double plastic hinges were studied by finite element (FE) analysis, and especially the formation and effects of double plastic hinges were analyzed in details. The results showed that double plastic hinges in functionally graded concrete piers were made by the graded reinforcement with glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) bars and steel bars. Because GFRP bars have large elastic deformability, double plastic hinges can be stably formed at the bottoms of two grades in turn under different seismic waves. Compared with the traditional reinforced concrete piers, the load bearing capacity, deformation capacity, energy consumption and resisted seismic acceleration of functionally graded concrete piers with double plastic hinges are significantly improved.