Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Engineering - Department of Civil Engineering

Base connections transfer loads to the foundation and transmitting ground accelerations to the superstructure. For C-bent piers superstructure mass is eccentric from center of rigidity, so seismic forces in the traffic direction induce a combination of seismic torsion and other internal forces. This complicated state of stresses has been investigated through extensive finite element numerical study conducted for different configurations of fixed base connection, studied connections have been subjected to loading conditions similar to those mobilized in C-bent piers base connections. Geometric and material nonlinearities has been considered using FEM program strand 7. Results reveled the effect of loading state on the elastic stiffness of the base connection and how would connection configuration (base plate thickness, stiffening condition, and anchor rod pattern) affects the connection ductility. A regression analysis has been made for the numerical result to provide an expression for anchor rod shear stiffness and base connection torsional stiffness, so that would be an initiative to cover the codes (Euro code, AISC) shortcoming from providing such an expression. In the context of performance based design, a breakdown for the sources of deformation within such a type of piers has been listed

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