Lateral Cyclic Response of Bridge Columns Reinforced with CSA G30.18 500W High-Strength Steel

Abstract

RC structures that are expected to experience significant inelastic deformation require reinforcing steel bars that can endure substantial plastic displacements. Bridge columns’ longitudinal reinforcing rebars have shown buckling, followed by fatigue fracture, especially on the tension side of the RC members. The current research presents the results of an experimental investigation conducted on the seismic performance assessment of two circular RC bridge columns with varying aspect ratios, both reinforced with CSA G30.18 500W. The seismic performance of the bridge columns is evaluated by comparing the hysteresis response, dissipated energy, drift, and ductility measurements against those of columns reinforced with regular-strength steel. A parametric numerical study is also conducted to understand the effect of reinforcement grade, axial load ratio, and aspect ratio on the seismic response of RC bridge piers. The results show that CSA G30.18 500W exhibits acceptable performance where ultimate drifts of 6.35% and 7.3% were achieved for aspect ratios of 3 and 6, respectively.