Priya Dhar
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
This manuscript presents a detailed investigation of bridge pier behavior under lateral loads using finite element analysis (FEA) techniques available up to 2016. The study models reinforced concrete piers subjected to seismic and wind-induced forces, emphasizing material nonlinearities, geometric effects, and boundary conditions consistent with engineering practices circa 2016. Two representative case studies—a typical highway overpass pier and a river-crossing pier—are analyzed using ANSYS Mechanical 15.0 and Abaqus 6.14 to validate modeling approaches. The methodology outlines mesh generation strategies, element selection, material constitutive models, and load application procedures. Results highlight stress distributions, displacement patterns, and failure mechanisms, demonstrating the influence of reinforcement detailing and soil–structure interaction. Conclusions draw recommendations for design optimization and future research within the technological scope up to 2016.
Keywords Bridge pier, finite element analysis, lateral loads, reinforced concrete, seismic loading, wind loading, mesh convergence, material nonlinearity, soil–structure interaction, ANSYS Mechanical 15.0
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