Self-resetting bridge pier structure
By introducing energy-dissipating components, dampers, and prestressed tendons into the pier structure, the seismic performance and durability issues of prefabricated piers have been solved, enabling the piers to self-reset and quickly recover, thereby improving the stability and service life of the piers.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 李益平
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing prefabricated bridge piers have shortcomings in terms of seismic performance and durability, poor self-resetting ability after an earthquake, and easy damage to the connection parts, which affects the stability of the bridge piers and traffic capacity.
The bridge adopts a self-resetting pier structure, which includes a main structural component and a connecting component. The main structural component consists of a cap beam, a pier body, and a foundation. The connecting component consists of a first energy dissipation component, a second energy dissipation component, an energy dissipation steel bar, a damper, and prestressing tendons. Through these components, energy is absorbed and stored during an earthquake, and the energy is released after the earthquake to achieve the self-resetting of the pier.
This technology enables bridge piers to automatically return to their original positions after an earthquake, reducing repair costs, improving the seismic performance and durability of the piers, and minimizing the difficulty of post-earthquake repairs and traffic disruption time.
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Figure CN224160969U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of bridge engineering technology, and in particular to a self-resetting bridge pier structure. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of railway transportation, railway bridge construction is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of railway lines. As the goal of "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality" is advanced, green and low-carbon construction methods have become an inevitable trend. Precast assembled bridge piers have received widespread attention in railway bridge construction due to their advantages such as fast construction speed, minimal environmental impact, and recyclable materials. They can effectively improve construction efficiency, reduce many problems caused by on-site operations, meet the needs of modern engineering construction, and are of great significance to promoting the sustainable development of railway transportation construction.
[0003] However, existing prefabricated bridge piers still have many problems in practical applications. Traditional prefabricated bridge piers suffer from insufficient strength at connection nodes, and these weak points can easily affect overall stability if not designed or constructed properly. Due to the poor seismic performance at these nodes, they are prone to damage under seismic loads. Furthermore, the connection points are susceptible to cracking and corrosion due to long-term exposure to rainwater and corrosive gases, severely impacting the durability of the pier. In addition, under seismic loads, the connections between the pier column and the cap beam, and between the pier column and the abutment, are prone to significant plastic deformation and even cracking, exhibiting poor self-resetting ability after an earthquake. This not only increases the difficulty and cost of post-earthquake repair but also severely affects traffic flow, necessitating urgent improvement. Utility Model Content
[0004] The main purpose of this application is to provide a self-resetting bridge pier structure, which aims to solve the technical problem of poor self-resetting ability of existing bridge piers after earthquakes.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a self-resetting bridge pier structure, the self-resetting bridge pier structure comprising:
[0006] The main structural components include a cap beam, a pier body, and a foundation; the pier body includes a first pier and a second pier, the second pier being integrally cast with the foundation; and,
[0007] A connecting assembly, the connecting assembly comprising a first energy-dissipating component, a second energy-dissipating component, a first energy-dissipating steel bar, a second energy-dissipating steel bar, a damper, and prestressing tendons;
[0008] The cap beam is connected to one end of the first pier through the first energy-dissipating component, and the other end of the first pier is connected to the second pier through the second energy-dissipating component.
[0009] One end of the first energy-consuming steel bar extends into the cap beam and is connected to the cap beam; the other end of the first energy-consuming steel bar extends into the first pier and is connected to the first pier; one end of the second energy-consuming steel bar extends into the first pier and is connected to the first pier; the other end of the second energy-consuming steel bar extends into the second pier and is connected to the second pier.
[0010] The damper is connected between the first pier and the second pier;
[0011] The prestressed tendons are arranged from top to bottom through the cap beam, the first pier, the second pier, and the abutment.
[0012] Optionally, the cap beam, the first pier, and the second pier all have threaded keys, and the first energy-dissipating component and the second energy-dissipating component both have threaded portions that match the threaded keys.
[0013] Optionally, the number of dampers is several, and the several dampers are symmetrically arranged between the first pier and the second pier.
[0014] Optionally, the damper is U-shaped, and there are four dampers. The four dampers are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second energy dissipation component, and the open ends of the two dampers on the same side are arranged opposite each other. Each damper is connected to the first pier and the second pier by a number of first bolts.
[0015] Optionally, the connection assembly further includes an energy-dissipating panel assembly, which surrounds the outer surface of the connection between the first pier and the second pier.
[0016] Optionally, the energy-consuming panel assembly includes two first butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels and two second butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels. The height of the first butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels is less than the height of the second butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels. The two first butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels and the two second butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels are respectively disposed on the symmetrical planes of the first pier and the second pier. Each of the first butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels and the second butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels is connected to the first pier and the second pier by a second bolt.
[0017] Optionally, steel pipes are fitted onto the outer surfaces of the first pier and the second pier.
[0018] Optionally, both the first energy-dissipating component and the second energy-dissipating component are made of UHPC / ECC concrete.
[0019] Optionally, both the first energy-consuming steel bar and the second energy-consuming steel bar are made of SMA alloy.
[0020] Optionally, both the cap beam and the bearing platform are provided with grooves for anchoring the prestressed tendons.
[0021] The beneficial effects that this application can achieve are:
[0022] The self-resetting bridge pier structure proposed in this application transmits and dissipates energy between the cap beam, the first pier, and the second pier through a first energy-dissipating component, a second energy-dissipating component, a first energy-dissipating steel bar, and a second energy-dissipating steel bar, respectively. During an earthquake, these components absorb seismic energy and store it as elastic potential energy. A damper connected between the first and second piers deforms under seismic forces, dissipating some of the seismic energy as heat or other forms of energy, thus reducing the overall vibration of the pier. Prestressed tendons run through the entire pier structure and are stretched due to the deformation of the pier during an earthquake, also storing elastic potential energy. After the earthquake, the elastic potential energy stored in the first and second energy-dissipating steel bars, the damper, and the prestressed tendons is released, converting into the force that restores the pier to its original position, pushing the cap beam, the first pier, and the second pier back to their original positions, thereby achieving self-resetting of the pier after an earthquake and reducing repair costs. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of a self-resetting bridge pier according to an embodiment of this application;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic elevation view of a self-resetting bridge pier structure according to an embodiment of this application;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the elevation structure of a damper for a self-resetting bridge pier structure according to an embodiment of this application;
[0026] Figure 4 This is a side view of a damper for a self-resetting bridge pier structure according to an embodiment of this application.
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first and second butterfly-shaped energy dissipation plates of a self-resetting bridge pier structure according to an embodiment of this application.
[0028] The attached figures are labeled as follows:
[0029] 1-Cap beam; 2-Pier body; 3-Pile cap; 4-First pier; 5-Second pier; 6-First energy-dissipating component; 7-Second energy-dissipating component; 8-First energy-dissipating steel bar; 9-Second energy-dissipating steel bar; 10-Damper; 11-Prestressing tendon; 12-Threaded key; 13-First bolt; 14-Energy-dissipating plate assembly; 15-First butterfly-shaped energy-dissipating plate; 16-Second butterfly-shaped energy-dissipating plate; 17-Steel pipe; 18-Groove; 19-Second bolt.
[0030] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0032] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A self-resetting bridge pier structure, comprising:
[0033] The main structural components include a cap beam 1, pier bodies 2, and a foundation 3. The pier body 2 includes a first pier 4 and a second pier 5, with the second pier 5 integrally cast with the foundation 3; and,
[0034] The connecting assembly includes a first energy-dissipating component 6, a second energy-dissipating component 7, a first energy-dissipating steel bar 8, a second energy-dissipating steel bar 9, a damper 10, and a prestressing tendon 11.
[0035] One end of the cap beam 1 is connected to one end of the first pier 4 via the first energy dissipation component 6, and the other end of the first pier 4 is connected to the second pier 5 via the second energy dissipation component 7.
[0036] One end of the first energy-consuming steel bar 8 extends into the cap beam 1 and is connected to the cap beam 1; the other end of the first energy-consuming steel bar 8 extends into the first pier 4 and is connected to the first pier 4; one end of the second energy-consuming steel bar 9 extends into the first pier 4 and is connected to the first pier 4; the other end of the second energy-consuming steel bar 9 extends into the second pier 5 and is connected to the second pier 5.
[0037] The damper 10 is connected between the first pier 4 and the second pier 5;
[0038] The prestressed tendons 11 are installed from top to bottom, passing through the cap beam 1, the first pier 4, the second pier 5, and the abutment 3.
[0039] It should be noted that the main structural components provide a stable support framework. The cap beam 1 bears the load of the bridge superstructure, the pier cap 3 stabilizes the foundation of the piers, and the first and second piers 5 serve as vertical supports. Their collaboration ensures the load-bearing capacity of the piers during normal use. The connecting components are the key to realizing the self-resetting function. All components work together in all aspects, from energy absorption and transmission to providing the reset power.
[0040] Specifically, during an earthquake, the first energy-dissipating component 6, the second energy-dissipating component 7, the first energy-dissipating steel bar 8, and the second energy-dissipating steel bar 9 transmit and dissipate energy between the cap beam 1, the first pier 4, and the second pier 5, respectively. These components absorb seismic energy and store it as elastic potential energy based on their inherent characteristics. The damper 10 connects the first pier 4 and the second pier 5, deforming under seismic force to dissipate some of the seismic energy as heat or other forms of energy, thus reducing the overall vibration of the pier. The prestressed tendon 11 runs through the entire pier structure and is stretched due to the deformation of the pier during an earthquake, also storing elastic potential energy. After the earthquake, the elastic potential energy stored in the first and second energy-dissipating steel bars 9, the damper 10, and the prestressed tendon 11 is released, converting into the force that restores the pier to its original position, pushing the cap beam 1, the first pier 4, and the second pier 5 back to their original positions, thereby achieving self-resetting of the pier after the earthquake and reducing repair costs.
[0041] As an feasible approach, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cap beam 1, the first pier 4 and the second pier 5 all have threaded key teeth 12, and the first energy dissipation component 6 and the second energy dissipation component 7 all have threaded portions that match the threaded key teeth 12.
[0042] In this embodiment, when the bridge piers are subjected to seismic forces, the threaded key teeth 12 of the cap beam 1, the first bridge pier 4, and the second bridge pier 5 tightly engage with the threaded portions of the first and second energy-dissipating components 7, forming a helical force transmission path. This connection method not only effectively disperses stress and avoids the stress concentration problem of traditional rigid connections, but also dissipates some seismic energy through friction between the threads. When the seismic force acts in the opposite direction, the self-locking characteristic of the threaded structure prevents relative slippage between components, ensuring that energy is continuously transferred and dissipated within the structure. After the earthquake, in conjunction with the elastic restoring force of the prestressed tendons 11 and the energy-dissipating steel bars, the helical engagement of the threaded key teeth 12 with the threaded portions guides each component to accurately return to its original position.
[0043] As an feasible approach, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The number of dampers 10 is several, and the several dampers 10 are symmetrically arranged between the first pier 4 and the second pier 5.
[0044] In this embodiment, when an earthquake occurs, the bridge piers are subjected to seismic forces from different directions. Multiple dampers 10 can simultaneously absorb and dissipate seismic energy from multiple locations. Due to their symmetrical arrangement, they can provide relatively balanced damping forces in all directions, making the seismic forces on the first pier 4 and the second pier 5 more uniform and avoiding damage caused by excessive local stress. When the bridge piers are displaced, the symmetrically arranged dampers 10 will synchronously generate reverse damping forces to prevent excessive displacement of the bridge piers and dissipate some of the seismic energy by converting it into heat or other forms of energy. After the seismic forces disappear, these dampers 10 can work with other components, such as prestressed tendons 11 and energy-dissipating steel bars, to help the bridge piers quickly and stably return to their initial positions, effectively reducing post-earthquake residual deformation and achieving a self-resetting function.
[0045] As an feasible approach, refer to Figures 1 to 4 The damper 10 is U-shaped, and there are four dampers 10. The four dampers 10 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second energy dissipation component 7, and the open ends of the two dampers 10 on the same side are arranged opposite each other. The dampers 10 are all connected to the first pier 4 and the second pier 5 by several first bolts 13.
[0046] It should be noted that the opposite orientation of the openings of the two dampers 10 on the same side refers to the fact that the U-shaped openings of the two U-shaped dampers 10 on the same side of the second energy dissipation component 7 are in opposite directions. Imagine the second energy dissipation component 7 as a plane, with two U-shaped dampers 10 installed on one side, one U-shaped damper 10 opening to the left and the other U-shaped damper 10 opening to the right.
[0047] In this embodiment, during an earthquake, the U-shaped damper 10 has a larger buffer space during deformation under stress, effectively extending the energy dissipation path and enhancing the energy dissipation effect. The four dampers 10 are symmetrically distributed, allowing for a rapid response regardless of the direction of the seismic force acting on the pier, dispersing and dissipating energy from multiple directions to ensure balanced stress distribution across the pier. The open ends on the same side are positioned opposite each other, enabling the dampers 10 to provide damping force from both positive and negative directions simultaneously during relative displacement of the pier, further hindering excessive displacement. The connection via the first bolt 13 facilitates easy installation and disassembly, ensuring a tight connection between the damper 10 and the pier.
[0048] As an feasible approach, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connecting components also include an energy-dissipating plate assembly 14, which surrounds the outer surface of the connection between the first pier 4 and the second pier 5.
[0049] In this embodiment, when an earthquake occurs, the connection between the first pier 4 and the second pier 5 will experience significant stress and deformation. Since the energy-dissipating plate assembly 14 surrounds the outer surface of the connection, the energy generated by the earthquake is transferred to the energy-dissipating plate, causing it to undergo tensile, compressive, or bending deformation. During this deformation process, the energy-dissipating plate converts the earthquake energy into its own internal energy, reducing the energy transferred to the main structure of the pier, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the connection. Simultaneously, the energy-dissipating plate assembly 14 can also, to a certain extent, limit the displacement of the connection between the first pier 4 and the second pier 5, enhancing the stability of the structure.
[0050] As an feasible approach, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 The energy-consuming panel assembly 14 includes two first butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels 15 and two second butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels 16. The height of the first butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels 15 is less than the height of the second butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels. The two first butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels 15 and the two second butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels are respectively arranged on the symmetrical planes of the first pier 4 and the second pier 5. Each first butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panel 15 and the second butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panel is connected to the first pier 4 and the second pier 5 by a second bolt 19.
[0051] In this embodiment, under seismic force, the first butterfly-shaped energy-dissipating plate 15 and the second butterfly-shaped energy-dissipating plate, due to their unique butterfly-shaped structure, can undergo significant deformation during tension and compression. Their different heights allow them to efficiently dissipate energy at varying displacement amplitudes. The first butterfly-shaped energy-dissipating plate 15 is the first to function during smaller displacements, while the second butterfly-shaped energy-dissipating plate fully dissipates energy during larger displacements, achieving energy absorption throughout the entire displacement phase. Simultaneously, the different heights also better secure the first and second butterfly-shaped energy-dissipating plates.
[0052] Because conventional concrete is not tensile strong, the concrete on the tension side of the bridge pier structure is prone to cracking under bending moment. The cracked concrete and reinforcing steel are then easily eroded by rainwater. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As an feasible approach, steel pipes 17 are fitted onto the outer surfaces of the first pier 4 and the second pier 5.
[0053] In this embodiment, during an earthquake, the steel pipe 17 provides additional lateral restraint for the bridge pier. When the bridge pier experiences lateral displacement due to seismic forces, the steel pipe 17, with its own stiffness, suppresses excessive deformation of the pier and limits the lateral expansion of the concrete, thereby improving the compressive and shear resistance of the bridge pier. Simultaneously, during long-term use, the steel pipe 17 can also resist external environmental erosion such as rainwater and corrosive gases, protecting the internal structure of the bridge pier and extending its service life.
[0054] As an feasible approach, both the first energy-dissipating component 6 and the second energy-dissipating component 7 are made of UHPC / ECC concrete.
[0055] It should be noted that Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is a cement-based composite material with ultra-high strength, high toughness, and high durability. Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) is a cement-based composite material with ultra-high toughness.
[0056] In this embodiment, UHPC / ECC concrete possesses ultra-high strength, high toughness, and excellent energy dissipation characteristics. During an earthquake, its high strength ensures that the components are not easily damaged when subjected to massive seismic forces, maintaining the stability of the connection between the cap beam 1, the first pier 4, and the second pier 5. Its high toughness allows the components to dissipate a large amount of seismic energy during repeated deformation, effectively mitigating the damage to the main structure of the piers caused by earthquakes.
[0057] As an feasible approach, both the first energy-consuming steel bar 8 and the second energy-consuming steel bar 9 are made of SMA alloy.
[0058] It should be noted that shape memory alloy (SMA) is an alloy material with a unique shape memory effect.
[0059] In this embodiment, under seismic force, the first energy-dissipating steel bar 8 and the second energy-dissipating steel bar 9 deform, absorbing a large amount of seismic energy through superelasticity, converting kinetic energy into their own elastic potential energy, effectively buffering the impact of the earthquake on the bridge pier. After the earthquake, based on the shape memory effect, the first energy-dissipating steel bar 8 and the second energy-dissipating steel bar 9 will return to their initial shape, releasing the previously stored elastic potential energy and generating a force that causes the bridge pier to return to its original position. The two energy-dissipating steel bars are respectively connected to the cap beam 1, the first bridge pier 4, and the second bridge pier 5, which can accurately transmit the restoring force and drive the entire bridge pier structure to return to its original position.
[0060] As an feasible approach, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Both the cap beam 1 and the pier cap 3 are provided with grooves 18 for anchoring the prestressed tendons 11.
[0061] In this embodiment, the groove 18 provides precise positioning for the prestressing tendon 11, ensuring its fixed position in the cap beam 1 and the pier cap 3, so that the prestress is evenly transmitted to the entire pier structure, avoiding the problem of uneven stress distribution caused by the displacement of the prestressing tendon 11.
[0062] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A self-resetting bridge pier structure, characterized in that, The self-resetting bridge pier structure includes: The main structural components include a cap beam, a pier body, a pier cap, and connecting components. The pier body includes a first pier and a second pier, and the second pier is integrally cast with the pier cap. The connecting assembly includes a first energy-dissipating component, a second energy-dissipating component, a first energy-dissipating steel bar, a second energy-dissipating steel bar, a damper, and prestressed tendons; The cap beam is connected to one end of the first pier through the first energy-dissipating component, and the other end of the first pier is connected to the second pier through the second energy-dissipating component. One end of the first energy-consuming steel bar extends into the cap beam and is connected to the cap beam; the other end of the first energy-consuming steel bar extends into the first pier and is connected to the first pier; one end of the second energy-consuming steel bar extends into the first pier and is connected to the first pier; the other end of the second energy-consuming steel bar extends into the second pier and is connected to the second pier. The damper is connected between the first pier and the second pier; The prestressed tendons are arranged from top to bottom through the cap beam, the first pier, the second pier, and the abutment.
2. The self-resetting bridge pier structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cap beam, the first pier, and the second pier all have threaded keys, and the first energy-dissipating component and the second energy-dissipating component both have threaded portions that match the threaded keys.
3. The self-resetting bridge pier structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of dampers is several, and the several dampers are symmetrically arranged between the first pier and the second pier.
4. The self-resetting bridge pier structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The damper is U-shaped, and there are four dampers. The four dampers are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second energy dissipation component, and the opening ends of the two dampers on the same side are arranged opposite each other. The dampers are all connected to the first pier and the second pier by a number of first bolts.
5. The self-resetting bridge pier structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting assembly also includes an energy-dissipating plate assembly, which surrounds the outer surface of the connection between the first pier and the second pier.
6. The self-resetting bridge pier structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The energy-consuming panel assembly includes two first butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels and two second butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels. The height of the first butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels is less than the height of the second butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels. The two first butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels and the two second butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels are respectively disposed on the symmetrical planes of the first pier and the second pier. Each of the first butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels and the second butterfly-shaped energy-consuming panels is connected to the first pier and the second pier by a second bolt.
7. The self-resetting bridge pier structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surfaces of the first pier and the second pier are fitted with steel pipes.
8. The self-resetting bridge pier structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first energy-dissipating component and the second energy-dissipating component are made of UHPC / ECC concrete.
9. The self-resetting bridge pier structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first and second energy-consuming steel bars are made of SMA alloy.
10. The self-resetting bridge pier structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the cap beam and the bearing platform are provided with grooves for anchoring the prestressed tendons.