| This report presents the results of second phase of an ongoing study at the University of Nevada, Reno. The phase involved laboratory and analytical evaluation of one-way reinforced concrete bridge column hinges subjected to axial compression and shear in the weak direction. Three specimens were built and tested.;Since very little data is available on the behavior of one-way hinges in the weak direction, it was decided to isolate three variables: axial compressive load, column dimensions and percentage of dowel steel in the hinge. The study evaluated the effect of these variables on the shear strength of the hinge and accuracy of the two failure models, (1) Wedge and (2) Dowel, proposed by Sgambelluri.;The study concluded by proposing a modified Shear Friction Equation. It was found that the empirical equation based on the modified shear friction method gave good and conservative estimates and fits well with the test data. The equation yields a safe strength which can be conveniently used for design. |
