Interaction of Variable Axial Load and Shear Effects in RC Bridges

An additional 32 small-scale tests were completed to investigate the influence of the amplitude of axial loading cycles, the frequency of axial loading cycles, and sequencing or phase of axial loading peaks relative to lateral loading. Generally, behavior of the specimens including aspects of strength, stiffness, energy absorption, and failure mode were found to be highly dependent on the axial loading pattern. High levels of constant or coincident compression resulted in increases in demands that were unmatched by any increases in capacity resulting in brittle shear-axial failures. Constant or coincident tension was found to reduce peak shear loads and promote relatively ductile behavior. High frequency oscillation of axial loading was found to be more damaging than comparable constant loads. Finally, the sequencing or phasing of peak axial loads was critical to behavior and could on its own dictate failure mode. This investigation clearly demonstrated the detrimental effects of variable axial loading.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Holub, Curtis J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Elnashai, Amr S.

• Engineering, Civil

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3392070

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/83404