Investigation of Seismic Performance of Concrete Bridge Piers Retrofitted by Steel Jacketing

One of the most useful methods for improving the seismic performance of concrete columns with insufficient shear strength is the use of a steel plate around the concrete column which by decreasing the crack and direct effect on shear force tolerance lead to improve the seismic performance. In this paper, the seismic behavior of specimens under cyclic loads was investigated in terms of force-displacement behavior, energy absorption and ductility. In this regard, the finite element method was used in OpenSEES program. At first, an experimental specimen was used to validate the numerical model and then, numerical model of the finite element was developed after proper matching of the responses with the experimental model and assurance of the type of loading, displacement boundary conditions, and the type of applied elements. The main parameters in these studies were the thickness of the steel jacketing, the spacing between the stirrups and the compressive strength of the concrete. The results of numerical studies showed that in the case of use of low strength concrete and the minimum thickness of steel plate, energy absorption, ductility and maximum load-bearing capacity can be 4.40, 1.66 and 2.5 times higher than reference model.