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Seismic Reinforcement for Bridge Piers

This study evaluated the transverse reinforcement requirements for reinforced concrete bridge piers in seismic regions. The researchers analyzed PennDOT design guidelines and conducted theoretical calculations to determine if the lateral spacing of cross ties could be increased from 14 inches to 18 inches without compromising structural integrity. The results indicated that an 18 inch spacing did not meet the requirements in AASHTO specifications. The researchers recommended that PennDOT's design manual be updated to specify a maximum 4 inch vertical spacing and 14 inch lateral spacing of cross ties based on their analysis. Circular hoops without cross ties in circular columns were also recommended.

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149 views1 page

Seismic Reinforcement for Bridge Piers

This study evaluated the transverse reinforcement requirements for reinforced concrete bridge piers in seismic regions. The researchers analyzed PennDOT design guidelines and conducted theoretical calculations to determine if the lateral spacing of cross ties could be increased from 14 inches to 18 inches without compromising structural integrity. The results indicated that an 18 inch spacing did not meet the requirements in AASHTO specifications. The researchers recommended that PennDOT's design manual be updated to specify a maximum 4 inch vertical spacing and 14 inch lateral spacing of cross ties based on their analysis. Circular hoops without cross ties in circular columns were also recommended.

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magdyamdb
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© © All Rights Reserved
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David and Lorraine Freed

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Evaluation of Transverse Reinforcement


Requirements for Reinforced Concrete
Bridge Piers in Seismic Regions
By: Jordan Warncke, Clay Naito (P.E., Ph. D.), Ian Hodgson (S.E.)
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Background
Bridge piers consist of a footing, column, and cap beam
Cap Beam

Results and Discussion


PennDOT design requirements from BD629M:

Longitudinal
Reinforcement

Transverse Hoop

Column
Cross ties

Cross Section
Footing

The seismic design of bridge columns requires that a plastic


hinge region is located at the top and bottom of columns
Plastic
Hinge
Regions

Cross ties

Example of a
square column
cross section
from PennDOTs
Design Manual 4

Importance of Transverse Reinforcement


Hoops Prevent buckling of the longitudinal
reinforcement
Cross ties Maintain integrity of core concrete

Cross ties are not necessary when a circular hoop is used


ACI 318-08 states: R7.10.5 Where
Image from
longitudinal bars are arranged in a
Priestley et
al. (1996)
circular pattern, only one circular tie per
specified spacing is required.
Washington State DOT Manual allows a lateral spacing of 18.0 to
21.0 for cross ties
Figure from
WSDOT Design
Manual

Lateral
Spacing
Vertical
Spacing

Core Concrete

Images from
Paultre and
Legeron (2008)

Image and
graph from
Mander et al.
(1988)

Objectives
PennDOT wanted to extend the 14.0 lateral spacing of cross ties to
18.0 or 21.0 in an attempt to decrease the amount of steel
necessary for construction
Densely packed steel makes placement of concrete difficult
Longitudinal
Reinforcement
Transverse
Hoop
Cross ties

Pictures taken of the pier reinforcement from the Gay St. Bridge, PA
Procedure
Perform an extensive literature review of research conducted on the
seismic performance of reinforced concrete bridge piers
Review current state DOT guidelines regarding the use of cross ties
Develop recommendations for the use of cross ties in reinforced
concrete bridge piers for PennDOT
Modify PennDOT Design Manual 4 and Bridge Drawings (BD629M)

According to ACI 318-08 and AASHTO LRFD Specifications, the


lateral spacing of cross ties should not exceed 14.0
Theoretical calculations were done to examine if an 18.0
spacing would be structurally stable

14 Spacing
Po 13950 K
P2 17000 K

18 Spacing
Po 13900 K
P2 15900 K

AASHTO Specifications ( C5.10.11.4.1d) require that the axial load


carried by the column after spalling of the concrete cover (P2) will at
least equal the load carried before spalling (Po)
PennDOTs Design Manual 4 had a reference error which allowed a
vertical spacing of 6.0 which diverted from AASHTOs required 4.0
maximum spacing
Conclusions and Recommendations
Cross-ties in circular columns should be removed
Vertical spacing of transverse reinforcement should be changed to
4.0 maximum
The lateral spacing of transverse reinforcement should remain at
14.0 maximum until further testing is conducted
It is highly recommended that solely spiral reinforcement be used
This research was developed into ATLSS Report No 09-06 and the
recommendations are in the process of being implemented into
PennDOTs Design Manual 4 and BD629M
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank Tom Macioce and Chad Knavel from PennDOT
for funding this research, and Dr. Clay Naito and Ian Hodgson for
their support and aid throughout working on this project.

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