I am currently trying to determine the plastic hinge properties of a bridge pier with precast post tensioned segments. Plastic hinges will form at the base of the piers under high seismic loads, and I am trying to perform a pushover analysis.
There is plenty of guidance out there for determining the properties for a normally reinforced concrete plastic hinge, however, I've had trouble with a post tensioned structures. The plastic hinge will develop at the joint between the bottom segment of the pier and the pilecap. This is effectively zero length, so the normal procedure of assuming a hinge length does not apply. Can anyone give me any guidance as to how to proceed?
There is plenty of guidance out there for determining the properties for a normally reinforced concrete plastic hinge, however, I've had trouble with a post tensioned structures. The plastic hinge will develop at the joint between the bottom segment of the pier and the pilecap. This is effectively zero length, so the normal procedure of assuming a hinge length does not apply. Can anyone give me any guidance as to how to proceed?
