Numerical Simulation of Mechanical Properties of Series System with Bearing and Pier Under Lateral Load

The local series system with typical common plate rubber support/pier in highway reinforced concrete girder bridge is the object of the current research. The finite element numerical simulation method is used to study sensitive parameters – the mechanical properties of the series system under the horizontal load. The simulated results show that the interface bonding strength between the bearing and adjacent structure is reduced; the equivalent shear deformation and the horizontal force of bearing under horizontal load change insignificantly with the increase of horizontal displacement. However, the total shear deformation and equivalent shear deformation increase with the increase of the axial compression ratio. In addition, the top horizontal force and displacement of the pier significantly decrease with reduction of the connection strength at both ends of the bearing. Therefore, adjusting the axial compression ratio of the pier and interfacial connection mode can obviously affect the mechanical properties of the support and adjacent structure, even the failure mode of the local structure. This approach can help estimate the mechanical properties of the existing bridge and determine the reasonable maintenance plan.