EFFECT OF THE MAXIMUM AGGREGATE SIZE AND REBAR SECTION EVALUATION ON THE SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF RC BRIDGE COLUMNS

Abstract

 It is always an argument whether we can predict response and failure mode of prototype structures based on scaled model experiments. In this study, the effect of maximum aggregate size and evaluation of rebar section area on the seismic performance of RC bridge columns was investigated. It is shown that crush of core concrete is more significant in the scaled model which was constructed using concrete with the maximum aggregate size of 5mm than that with 13mm, and that the moment capacity of the prototype column can be well predicted based on the scaled model in which the minimum rebar section area is used. However progress of damage of the prototype column such as spall and crush of core and cover concrete occurred more significantly in the prototype column than the scaled model columns.