Use of 3D Finite-Element Models for Predicting Intermediate Damage Limit States in RC Bridge Columns

In this paper, three-dimensional (3D) continuum-based finite-element (FE) simulations are implemented for estimating intermediate damage limit states in flexure-dominated ductile reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns. Results from the 3D FE simulations were compared and validated against the experimental data from four large-scale tests. Statistical error measures and test analysis correlation metrics were utilized to quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of the models. The validated models were then applied to determine the intermediate damage limit states based on the simulation results. Onset of yielding was associated with the tensile strains on the extreme reinforcement, and compressive strains on the outer concrete surface elements were used to identify the initiation and significant growth of spalling of the cover concrete. The results show that the 3D FE simulations were efficient in predicting intermediate damage limit states in a consistent manner with the experimental observations extracted from the actual tested columns. (C) 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.