Probabilistic seismic risk assessment of hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete bridge columns

This study evaluates the effect of hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete (HyFRC) material on the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers in a probabilistic risk framework. Nine typical RC bridge columns are selected and analysed under 30 as-recorded near-fault ground motions. The HyFRC is simulated using the concrete constitutive model and the bond-slip model. The seismic performance of HyFRC and RC bridge piers is assessed and compared, using the incremental dynamic analysis. The effect of HyFRC is evaluated by comparing limit state capacities, displacement ductility factors, median fragilities, mean annual frequencies and repair time. Results show that the HyFRC columns have improved limit state capacities but the base shear increase slightly. The HyFRC improves the median fragilities but reduces the annual frequencies and repair time, and more effective in improving the limit state capacities of RC bridge piers with lower aspect ratio and higher axial load ratios.