• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.411-425
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• 2011

This paper illustrates the results of a seismic vulnerability study aimed to derive the fragility curves for typical Algerian reinforced concrete bridge piers using an analytical approach. Fragility curves express the probability of exceeding a certain damage state for a given ground motion intensity (e.g., PGA). In this respect, a set of 41 worldwide accelerometer records from which, 21 Algerian strong motion records are included, have been used in a non-linear dynamic response analyses to assess the damage indices expressed in terms of the bridge displacement ductility, the ultimate ductility, the cyclic loading factor and the cumulative energy ductility. Combining the damage indices defined for 5 damage rank with the ground motion indices, the fragility curves for the bridge piers were derived assuming a lognormal distribution.

• Proceedings of the Korea Concrete Institute Conference
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• 1999.04a
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• pp.671-676
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• 1999

Because of relatively heavy dead weight of concrete itself and unavoidable heat of massive concrete in bridge piers, circular hollow columns are widely used in Korean highway bridges. Since the occurrence of 1995 Kobe earthquake, there have been much concerns about seismic design for various infrastructures, inclusive of bridge structures. It is, however, understood that there are not much research works for nonlinear behavior of circular hollow columns subjected to earthquake motions. The ultimate of this experimental research is investigate nonlinear behavior of circular hollow reinforced concrete bridge piers under the quasi-static cyclic load, and then to enhance their ductility by strengthening the plastic hinge region with glassfiber sheets. It is concluded from quasi-static tests for 7 bridge piers that energy dissipation capacity and curvatures for a given displacement ductility factor $\{\mu}=frac{\Delta}{\Delta_y}$are about 20% higher for the seismically designed columns and about 70% higher for the retrofitted piers than the nonseismically designed columns in a conventional way.

• Proceedings of the Korea Concrete Institute Conference
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.144-147
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• 2003

This paper presents a nonlinear finite element analysis procedure for the seismic performance assessment of reinforced concrete bridge piers using damage indices. The accuracy and objectivity of the assessment process may be enhanced by the use of sophisticated nonlinear finite element analysis program. A computer program, named RCAHEST(Reinforced Concrete Analysis in Higher Evaluation System Technology), for the analysis of reinforced concrete structures was used. Damage indices aim to provide a means of quantifying numerically the damage reinforced concrete bridge piers sustained under earthquake loading. The proposed numerical method for the seismic performance assessment of reinforced concrete bridge piers is verified by comparison with the reliable experimental results.

• Proceedings of the Korea Concrete Institute Conference
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• 2009.05a
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• pp.69-70
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• 2009

This paper investigates the seismic behavior of prefabricated piers which are made by onsite connection of precast composite column segments to accelerate bridge construction. Quasi-static cyclic loading tests on the piers show better overall seismic capacity compared to RC piers with seismic details..

• Interaction and multiscale mechanics
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.431-454
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• 2009

This paper presents a simple model for studying the dynamic response of multi-span bridges resting on piers with different heights and subjected to earthquake forces acting transversely to the bridge, but varying spatially along its length. The analysis is carried out using the modal superposition technique, while the solution of the resulting integral-differential equations is obtained via the Laplace transformation. It has been found that the piers' height and the quality of the foundation soil can affect significantly the dynamic behavior of such bridges. Typical examples showing the effectiveness of the method are presented with useful results listed.

• Korean Journal of Hydrosciences
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• v.2
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• pp.39-59
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• 1991

Scour at bridge pier is a complicated three-dimensional problem involving interaction of fluld force on movable aid nonuniformily distributed sand grains. Although several analytical solution approaches, experimental research and field investigations for scout at piers have been conducted, no comprehensive and universally acceptable solution is so far available. Even though many methods and equations for predicting scour at piers are available in the literature, hydraulic and/or bridge design engineers are often at a loss over which method or equation is applicable for the specific bridge sites. To provide better understanding about scour phenomena and better predicting of scour at piers, intensive research is conducted through comprehensive review of published literature. Based on the research the state-of-the-art of pier scour prediction for design application is provided as a design guide for practicing engineers in this field. Recommendations for applying aggradation and degradation, contraction scour, and local scour prediction methods or equations are suggested. It is hoped that this paper may provide good information for the prediction of scour at piers.

• Journal of Industrial Technology
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• v.25 no.A
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• pp.3-14
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• 2005

In order to accurately analyze the detailed hydraulic characteristics of the curved channel in the downstream of dam with the hydraulic structures such as bridge piers, RMA2 model which is one of two-dimensional models is applied to ChunCheon dam downstream curved channel. A series of hydraulic model tests are carried out for comparison studies. HEC-RAS model is also applied to the same site. There are no errors when velocities and water levels resulted from HEC-RAS model RMA2 model are compared with those of hydraulic model test on the straight channel. But, it is found that results of RMA2 model have a better agreement with those of hydraulic model test than those of HEC-RAS model on the curved channel with bridge piers. Additionally, RMA2 model can be predicted the eddy phenomena around bridge piers of the curved channel.

• Proceedings of the Korea Concrete Institute Conference
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• 2005.05a
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• pp.203-206
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• 2005

Reinforced concrete(RC) column-bent piers represent one of the popular piers used in highway bridges of Korea. Seismic performance of RC column-bent piers under bi-directional seismic loadings was experimentally investigated. Six column bent piers were constructed with two circular supporting columns which were made in 400 mm diameter and 2,000 mm height. Test parameters are different transverse reinforcement ratio and loading pattern. Three specimens were loaded with bi-directional lateral forces which were main cyclic loads in the longitudinal direction and sub-cyclic loads in the transverse direction. Other three specimens were loaded in the opposite way. Test results indicated that lateral strength and ductility of the latter specimens were bigger than those of the former specimens. Plastic hinge was formed with the spall of cover concrete and the fracture of the longitudinal reinforcing steels in the bottom part of two supporting columns for the former three specimens. Similar behavior was observed in the top and bottom parts of two supporting columns for the latter three specimens.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2002.06a
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• pp.31-42
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• 2002

The Design criteria are different from one another due to the different engineering properties of rock in the every nation. Most of the test results of the rock-socketed piers were loaded two times of the design load capacities because they would be used in the foundation of the bridge or the building. So we have much difficulties in study of the load capacities of the rock-socketed piers by the test result in Korea. When we design the rock-socket piers, every designer uses the different formula, and makes different results. Recently the demand of the large bridges and the huge buildings has been increased. The adequate design criterion of the rock-socketed pier is urgently needed to design them reasonable. In this paper we analyzed the various design criteria and proposed the adequate design criterion which is based on the test results of the rock-socked piers in Korea.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.341-346
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• 2001

Near source earthquakes can be characterized not only by strong horizontal but also by strong vertical ground motions with broad range of dominant frequencies. The inelastic horizontal response of thin-walled L-shaped steel bridge piers, which are popularly used as highway bridge supports, subjected to simultaneous horizontal and vertical ground excitations of near source earthquakes is investigated. A comprehensive damage index and an evolutionary-degrading hysteretic model are applied. Numerical analysis reveals that the strong vertical excitation of a near source earthquake exerts considerable influences on the damage development and horizontal response of thin-walled L-shaped steel bridge piers.