Three-dimensional finite element analyses for cyclic responses of precast segmental bridge piers accounting for bond-slip degradation

Precast segmental piers are attracting the bridge community due to the merits of faster construction speed, smaller site disruption and higher construction quality. Compared to numerous experimental studies, accurate finite element (FE) models to investigate seismic responses of precast piers are rather rare. Among them, an apparent insufficiency is ignorance or inappropriate treatment of bond behavior. To this end, a zero-thickness interface element is adapted between 1 D truss element (rebars) and solid element (concrete). The bond behavior is implemented within the interface element, especially the strength degradation subject to cyclic loading, which renders simulations more realistic. The models further incorporate the softened damage-plasticity model for concrete and Menegotto-Pinto model for rebars. Viscous regularization scheme is adopted to circumvent the convergence difficulty brought out by the strain softening. The 3 D FE models are validated by the experimental works recently performed by authors. All analyses are performed on Abaqus/Standard platform, with the implicit incremental-iterative Newton-Raphson algorithm. The source code (UEL subroutine) is disclosed on github to faciliate relevant researches.

Automated summary

Precast segmental piers are gaining attention in the bridge community due to their faster construction speed, minimal site disruption, and higher construction quality. However, there is a lack of accurate finite element models that investigate the seismic responses of these piers, particularly in regards to bond behavior. This study addresses this gap by using a zero-thickness interface element to model the bond behavior, along with incorporating concrete damage-plasticity and rebar models. The 3D finite element models are validated through experimental works, and the source code is made available to facilitate further research.