Optimal Trends in Seismic Design of Single Column Circular Reinforced Concrete Bridge Piers

An algorithm is developed to incorporate seismic capacity design philosophy in a computer program for the optimal design of single column circular reinforced concrete bridge piers for seismic loading. The program designs the circular column as a single degree of freedom system under the combined effect of axial and lateral seismic loads over a broad range of axial load ratio, column height and design displacement ductility capacity. Flexural, confinement and shear reinforcement requirements are then assessed for the entire range of parameters and cost calculations performed. For a given column height, design displacement ductility and axial load level, results indicate the existence of an optimal column diameter and ductility level. As the column diameter is reduced, cost savings are effected by reduced volume of concrete, but tend to be offset by P-Δ effects, increased longitudinal reinforcement for flexure, and increased transverse reinforcement for confinement and shear. Based on common trends, solutions are provided for the most economical range of the axial load ratio and design displacement ductility capacity for a given column height.