Seismic performance assessment of reinforced concrete bridge piers with lap splices

This study aims to analytically assess the seismic performance of reinforced concrete bridge piers with lap splices in longitudinal reinforcing bars, and to provide data for developing improved seismic design criteria. The accuracy and objectivity of the assessment process can be enhanced by using a sophisticated nonlinear finite element analysis program. A computer program, RCAHEST (Reinforced Concrete Analysis in Higher Evaluation System Technology), is used to analyze reinforced concrete structures. Models for material nonlinearity include tensile, compressive and shear models for cracked concrete and a model of reinforcing steel incorporating the smeared crack approach. A lap spliced bar element is newly developed to predict the inelastic behaviors of lap splices. The proposed numerical method for the seismic performance assessment of reinforced concrete bridge piers with lap splices is verified by comparing the analytical results with test data developed by the authors.