First, cyclic loading tests were conducted on scaled‐down bridge column models using normal‐ and ultra‐strength fiber‐reinforced concrete made with polyvinyl alcohol fibers (PVA‐UFC) and normal‐ and ultrahigh‐strength rebars. The experimental results were compared, focusing on the relation between load and displacement, skeleton, crack distribution, and failure modes. Second, in order to evaluate the reproducibility of the cyclic loading test by finite element (FE) analysis, trace analyses were carried out. The FE analyses investigated the applicability of the conventional analytical model of concrete for PVA‐UFC. Compared with the experimental results, overall hysteresis loops and maximum strength responses were reproduced with sufficient accuracy by using adequate analytical models. Lastly, parametric analyses were conducted on varying cross‐sectional areas of columns, and the extent to which cross‐sectional areas could be reduced by using UFC was investigated.
<p>In this study, the experimental specimens composed by the extra-high tensile strength concrete called as ESCON and the high yield strength steels called as USD685 were prepared to clarify the seismic performance of the ultra high strength fiber RC columns under cyclic bending loading. Compared to the experimental results of normal strength RC columns, the yielding capacity and the maximum capacity of the high strength one were improved. In addition, the crack distributions and the failure modes were different by the polyvinyl alcohol fiber contained in ESCON. Moreover, the trace analyses using the Finite Element Method (FEM) of these experiments of RC columns were conducted. As a result, it was identified that the experimental hysteresis curves could be traced by FEA. Lastly, it was calculated that how much cross section with equivalent strength of the normal strength specimen by using ESCON and USD685 could be reduced. The calculations showed that the cross section of area of RC columns using these high strength materials could be reduced by about 40% of normal one.</p>
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