Enhanced models for three-dimensional analysis of reinforced concrete two-blade slender bridge piers

In many typical R.C. applications, the reinforcing bars along certain alignments must be maintained continuous. Such a continuity is usually obtained through overlapping arrangements and suitable end bents of the bars. In the more critical contests, like in the case of buildings in seismic areas, more reliable continuity solutions are required. To this purpose a new type of coupling device assuring the bar continuity has been recently proposed. This device is made of a steel external shell, which encloses a certain volume around the bars to be connected. The interstitial volume is infilled by VHS Concrete which embeds the bar and assures the continuity with the steel envelope. To test the efficiency of this new device, many experimental tests were performed. In particular, it was analyzed the behaviour under cyclic loading of columns having different height connected to the foundation structure by these continuity devices and the behaviour of a beam-column junction. This paper presents the analysis for the investigations of the behaviour of a precast column having section 0.5 x 0.5 meters and 5 meters high. Both experimental and numerical results are presented with particular attention to the definition of the numerical model.