SHEAR BEHAVIOR OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE COLUMNS UNDER SEISMIC CONDITIONS

This report is the first in a series of reports on the seismic performance of lightweight concrete bridge substructure elements. Through a discussion of experimental studies on two test units and analytical investigations, the shear capacity of lightweight concrete bridge columns subjected to cyclic loading is presented. Also presented in this report is a revised model for quantifying the contribution of transverse steel to shear strength that is applicable to both lightweight and normal weight concrete. An alternative method for the evaluation of shear deformation for design and assessment purposes is presented which is also applicable to lightweight and normal weight concrete members.