Seismic performance and time-dependent sustainability of low-reinforced RC bridge piers

ObjectiveThis study investigated the evolutionary patterns of seismic performance of low-reinforced RC bridge piers under environmental corrosion and earthquake at different service time, as well as evaluated the time-dependent sustainability of such piers at different service time.It provided a theoretical basis for the maintenance and reinforcement of in-service low-reinfforced bridge piers.MethodFirst, the finite element model was established for low-reinforced RC bridge piers, and the probabilistic deterioration model of piers was established considering chloride corrosion. Subsequently, the Pushover analysis and seismic fragility analysis were conducted on piers of different service time to evaluate the time-dependent seismic damage for low-reinforced RC bridge piers. Finally, the time-dependent sustainability of piers under near-field ground motions was evaluated based on the dual-parameter seismic resilience assessment framework considering maximum displacement and residual displacement.ResultThe load bearing and deformation capacity of low-reinforced RC bridge piers decrease significantly with the increase of service time. The exceedance probability of piers at different service time mainly depends on the state of severe damage and complete damage. The seismic performance of piers is significantly degraded with the increase of service time. As peak ground acceleration increases, the functional recovery time, post-earthquake economic loss and CO2 emission of piers increase significantly.ConclusionThe social sustainability, economic sustainability and environmental sustainability of piers are significantly reduced during the service process. The study provides a theoretical reference for the seismic performance evaluation and time-dependent sustainability assessment of in-service low-reinforced RC bridge piers.