MONOTONIC AND CYCLIC RESPONSE OF ONE-WAY REINFORCED-CONCRETE BRIDGE PIER HINGES IN THE STRONG DIRECTION

An experimental study of four one-sixth-scale reinforced concrete spec imens designed to act as one-way hinges is reported. The specimens wer e subjected to a constant axial load and variable horizontal loads app lied in the strong direction. Both monotonic and cyclic loads were app lied. Relatively small aspect ratios for the specimens were used to in crease the potential effect of shear. Results showed that even when th e aspect ratio was as low as I, flexure and not shear controlled the s trength of the hinges. Smaller aspect ratios led to larger horizontal slippage and rotation at the hinge, and reduced the stiffness and ener gy dissipation of the specimens. It was also found that the concrete a t the hinge throat region is capable of developing strains as high as nearly 0.03, and that its compressive strength is approximately 80 per cent higher than the measured cylinder strength.