Second Order Analysis of Hollow Tapered Circular Bridge Pier

S. A. Halkude and D.L.Mittapalli

Walchand Institute of Technology, Solapur – 413006, Maharastra, India
E-mail: halkude60@gmail.com, dmittapalli@gmail.com
(Received on 20 August 2012 and accepted on 05 November 2012)
Abstract - The Beams subjected to the axial force and lateral II. Second Order Analysis Using Beam-Column Theory
force simultaneously are known as beam-columns. Bridge pier
is idealized as a column subjected to axial load and biaxial Beams subjected to the axial compression and
moment. Slender member subjected to axial force and biaxial simultaneously supporting lateral loads are known as beam-
bending moment fails due to buckling effect. This buckling is columns. The basic equation for the analysis of beam-column
caused due to slenderness effect also known as ‘P∆’ effect. The is derived by considering the beam in Fig 1. The beam is
objective of the research reported in this paper is to obtain a subjected to an axial compressive force P and to a distributed
theoretical formulation, using beam column theory for studying lateral load of intensity q which varies with the distance ‘x’
the behavior of straight hollow circular section and tapered along the beam. Consider an element of length ‘dx’ between
hollow circular section of the bridge pier. Study is carried for the two cross sections taken normal to the original axis of
different heights of bridge pier for straight hollow circular pier the beam as shown in the Fig 2. The lateral load may be
and tapered hollow circular pier. Study is carried by considering considered as having constant intensity q over the distance
two lane box type bridge girder. Providing a straight hollow ‘dx’ and will be assumed positive when in the direction of
circular section for a direct & flexural action proves to be the positive y axis which is downward in this case. The
uneconomical. The straight hollow circular section of bridge shearing force V and bending moment M acting on the sides
pier is replaced by a tapered hollow circular pier section in the of the elements are assumed positive in the directions down.
present study. The relations among load, shearing force B, and bending
moments are obtained from the equilibrium of the element in
Keywords: Beam-column theory, Second order analysis, P∆
Fig 2 Summing forces in the y direction give:
effect, Bridge pier, Slenderness effect, Tapered hollow Circular
bridge pier
−V + qdx + (V + dv) = 0
I. Introduction
dV
Bridge Piers are subjected to forces in longitudinal Or q=− (2.1)
dx
direction as well as in transverse direction. This force causes
biaxial moment at base of the pier. The pier is idealized as a
column subjected to axial force and biaxial moment. These
moments and axial force cause the pier to buckle along its
longitudinal direction. This buckling is nothing but deflection
of the pier. If the base moment due to these deflections is not
considered then, it is known as first order analysis. By the first
order analysis the structural capacity of the pier is estimated
approximately. In order to get more accurate results, second
order analysis of bridge pier is to be done, where the buckling By assuming that the angle between the axis of the beam
effect is considered. Beam column theory is used for second and the horizontal is small we obtain,
order analysis.
dx dy
Bridge pier is subjected to an axial load and biaxial M + qdx + (V + dv) − ( M + dM ) + P dx = 0
2 dx
moments. Iterative neutral axis method is used to analyze the
If the terms of second-order are neglected, this
pier. Section is subjected to axial force combined with two
equation becomes
orthogonal moments. The working load analysis is to assume
as ‘mono axial bending with axial force’ and on this mono
axially cracked section the effect of other orthogonal moment
is superimposed.
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 Second Order Analysis of Hollow Tapered Circular Bridge Pier

Lateral load intensity at general section

dM dy (2.2)
V= −P
dx dx  (W − WB ) x 
‘x’ on pier Wx = W −  T  (3.1.1.1)
If the effects of shearing deformations and shortening of T
 H 
the beam axis are neglected the expression for the curvature
of the axis of the beam is, 3.1.1. First Order Analysis of Pier

(2.3) Let ‘ M x ’ be the bending moment at a general section

‘XX’ at a distance ‘x’ from top of pier,
Where, EI represents the flexural rigidity of the beam
WT x 2 (WT − WB ) x 3
in the plane of bending that is, in the XY plane, which is ∴ M x = − M − Fx + RT − + (3.1.1.2)
2 6H
assumed to be plane of symmetry. Combining equation (2.3)
with equation (2.1) and equation (2.2) we can express the Using strain energy method to claculate the bending moment
differential equations of the axis of the beam in the following equation,
alternate forms, 3M 11WT H WB H
RT = +F+ +
dy dy 2H 40 10
EI +P = −V (2.4)
dx dx M x = −M +
3M
x+
11WT H W H W x 2 (W − WB ) x 3
x+ B − T + T (3.1.1.3)
2H 40 10 2 6H

dy dy 3.1.2. Second Order Analysis of Pier

EI +P =q (2.5)
dx dx Considering the same values used in first order analysis as
Equations (2.1) to (2.5) are the basic differential equations given above:
for bending considering beam-column. If the axial force’s P Bending moment at a general section ‘x’ is given by
equals zero, these equations reduces to the usual equations WT x 2 kw x3
for bending by lateral loads only. The nature of the axial ∴ M x = Py − M A + ( RT − F ) x − + (3.1.2.1)
2 6
forces has significant effect on the deflections and ultimately
on the secondary moments. y = A sin(α x) + B cos(α x)

III. Theorotical Formulation kw 3 WT 2 x  k  1 W 

− x + x +  F − RT + w2  +  M A − T2  (3.1.2.2)
6P 2P P α  P α 
Analysis of pier fixed at base and hinged at top subjected On substituting the values and using boundary conditions,
to axial load and uniaxial bending by using beam column
theory for different loading conditions: At x=0, y=0 in equation 3.1.2.2 we get,

3.1 Trapezoidal Load Throughout the Height of Pier 1 WT 

∴B = − M A − 2 
P α 
On substituting the values and using boundary conditions, at
∂y
x = H, y = 0 , x = H, = 0 in equation 3.1.2.2 we get,
∂x
1  kw 3 W H  kw  1  WT  
∴A=  H − B cos(α H ) − T H 2 −  F − RT + α 2  − P  M A − α 2  
sin(α H )  6 P 2P P 

(3.1.2.3)

Fig 3. Loading on pier 1

RT = 1  tan(α H )
×

−H
P  α 

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S. A. Halkude and D.L.Mittapalli

WT  tan(α H ) H  k H  H tan(α H ) 1  On solving the above equation (3.2.1.2) for constants we get
 H −  − B {sin(α H ) tan(α H ) + cos(α H )} − w  + 
 P  α 2 Pα  2 α 
RT 1
 tan(α H ) 
+
kw  kw 3 WT
F + 2  + H + −
HF M
−

(3.1.4) 
y = A cos (α x ) + B sin (α x ) − x (3.2.1.3)
 αP  α  6P Pα 2 P P P
MB x
y = C cos (α x ) + D sin (α x ) + + ( RT 1 − Wx ) (3.2.1.4)
A= (D2-d2) P P
On substituting the values and using boundary conditions,
I= [(d1) – (d2) ]
2 2
At x=0 , y=0

3.2 Trapezoidal Load at a General Height of the Pier in equation (3.2.1.4), we get
This analysis is done in two parts MB
∴D = −
i. For axial compressive load and lateral forces P
ii. For axial compressive load and bending moment (applied ∂y
x = 0, =0
moment) at top of pier. ∂x
1
3.2.1 For Axial Compressive Load and Lateral Forces ∴C = − ( RT 1 − Wx )
Pα
1 sin(α x)  M B
∴y = ( RT 1 − Wx )  x − + {1 − cos(α x)}
P  α  P
(3.2.1.5)
On substituting the values and using boundary conditions,
At x=0 , y=0

In equation (3.2.1.3), we get

∴B = 0
RT 1
∴ y = A sin(α x) − x (3.2.1.6)
Fig 4. Axial compressive load and lateral forces P
At x = a,
Lateral load intensity at general section ‘x’ on pier
Deflection and slope of the column remains same on both
Wx = WB +
(W T
− WB ) ( L − x ) side
(L −l) Comparing equation (3.2.1.5) and (3.2.1.6)
Second order analysis for axial load and trapezoidal lateral
RT 1
load by using Beam-Column Analysis: ∴ A sin(α a ) − a
P
M x = Py − M B + (Wx − RT 1 ) x (3.2.1.1) 1 sin(α X )  M B
= ( RT 1 − Wx )  X − + {1 − cos(α X )}
P  α  P
∂2 y
We have, EI x = −M x Where, X = ( H − a)
∂x 2
∂2 x On solving above equation we get
EI x = − RT 1 − Py (3.2.1.2)
∂y 2
RT 1   sin(α X )  
∴ A sin(α a ) − a +  X −  − H [1 − cos(α X ) ]
P   α  

TARCE - Vol.1 No.2 July-December 2012 22

 Second Order Analysis of Hollow Tapered Circular Bridge Pier

Wx   sin(α X )  
=
 X [1 − cos(α X ) ] −  X −   (3.2.1.7) = M A − RT 2 H
P   α 
Now comparing slopes of equations (3.2.1.5) and (3.2.1.6) At a general section ‘XX’ at a distance ‘x’ from top, bending
moment is given by
RT 1 1
Aα cos(α a ) − = Cα cos(α X ) − Dα sin(α X ) + ( RT 1 − Wx ) M x = Py − M A + RT 2 x
P P

On solving above equation we get y = yc + y p

Aα cos(α a ) − RT 1 [ 2 − cos(α X ) − H α sin(α X )]
P yc = A sin(α x) + B cos(α X )
RT 2 M
Wx {cos(α X ) + X α sin(α X ) − 1} yp = − x+ A
=
P
(3.2.1.8) P P
RT 2 M
Solving equation (3.2.1.7) and (3.2.1.8) simultaneously the ∴ y = A sin(α x) + B cos(α x) − x+ A (3.2.2.1)
P P
value of ‘ RT 1 ’
On substituting the values and using boundary conditions,
  α    sin(α X )     
Wx   X 1 − cos(α X ) −  X −   − ( cos(α X ) + α X sin(α X ) − 1)   
RT 1 =   tan(α a )    α    
At x=0 , y=0
 α   sin(α X )  
{ 2 − cos(α X ) − H α sin(α X )} − a
 + X −  − H (1 − cos(α X ) ) 
 tan(α a )   α  
In equation (3.2.2.1),
(3.2.1.9) MA
∴B = −
P
A= (D2-d2) x = H, y = 0
I= [(d1)2– (d2)2] RT 2 M
∴ A sin(α H ) − H = − A (1 − cos(α H )) (3.2.2.2)
P P
Since, the resultant force ‘ Wx ’ is varying along the column
∂y
from l1 to l2 . On integrating RT 1 along the length we can get x = H, =0
value of reactions and substituting this value we can calculate
∂x
other constants of integration A, C, and D respectively. And RT 2 M (3.2.2.3)
∴ Aα cos(α H ) − = − A α sin(α H )
substituting the all values the deflections at any general point P P
can be calculated On solving above equations (3.2.2.2) and (3.2.2.3)
simultaneously we get
3.3.1 For Axial Compressive Load and Bending Moment
MA  1 
 α sin(α H ) − (1 − cos(α H ) )
 P  tan(α H ) 
RT 2 =  αH  (3.2.2.4)
1 − tan(α H ) 
 
From above equations (3.2.1.9) and (3.2.2.4)

We get total reaction ‘ RT ’ for the column.

A= (D2-d2)

Fig 5 Axial loading and bending moment I= [(d1)2– (d2)2]

23 TARCE - Vol.1 No.2 July-December 2012

S. A. Halkude and D.L.Mittapalli

IV. Parametric Work concrete for different height of bridge pier for tapered hollow
circular pier with respect to straight hollow circular pier is
The forces on the bridge pier are calculated as specified in
calculated. The Variation of Slenderness for different height
IRC and the maximum moment on a bridge pier for different
of pier for straight hollow pier and tapered hollow circular
heights is calculated. Using the combined stress equation and
pier is calculated. For tapered hollow circular pier variation
considering stresses constant the behavior for straight hollow
of slope for different height of bridge pier is calculated. Cost
circular pier & tapered hollow circular pier is calculated. The
comparison for different height of bridge pier for Tapered
volume of concrete required for different height of bridge pier
hollow circular pier and straight hollow circular pier is
for straight hollow circular pier & tapered hollow circular
calculated.Cost of pier is calculated by considering material
pier is calculated. Accordingly, the percentage saving in
cost and form work cost of bridge pier.

Table I Volume of Concrete Required for Different Height of Bridge Pier For Straight Hollow Circular Pier &
Tapered Hollow Circular Pier.

Fig.4.1 The variation in volume of concrete required for different height

of bridge pier for straight hollow circular pier & tapered hollow circular pier

TARCE - Vol.1 No.2 July-December 2012 24

 Second Order Analysis of Hollow Tapered Circular Bridge Pier

Volume of concrete required increases as the height of
the bridge pier increases. The Rate of increase in volume of
concrete required is milder for tapered hollow circular pier in
comparison with straight hollow circular pier. The volume of
concrete required for tapered hollow circular pier is varying
largely in comparison with volume of concrete required for
straight hollow circular pier. (Refer Table I and Graph 4.1)
Percentage saving in concrete required for tapered hollow
circular pier with respect to straight hollow circular pier
increases as the height of bridge pier increases. Percentage
saving of concrete required for Tapered hollow circular pier
section with respect to straight hollow circular pier section
increases and increase is nearly linear. (Refer Figure 4.2)
Volume of concrete required increases with increase in
slenderness ratio for hollow circular pier and tapered hollow
circular pier. Rate of increase in volume of concrete required
is milder for tapered hollow circular pier in comparison
with straight hollow circular pier. The rate of increase in
slenderness ratio for Tapered hollow circular pier is milder in
comparison with straight hollow circular pier.(Refer Table II
and Figure 4.3)

As the designed base bending moment increases the slope

of pier varies from steeper to milder. Slope of pier decreases
Fig. 4.2 The variation in percentage saving in concrete for different height of
bridge pier for straight hollow circular pier & tapered hollow circular pier. as the height of bridge pier increases. Cross section of the
piers required at the base increases as the height of bridge
pier increases. (Refer Figure 4.4)
Table II The Variation of Slenderness for Different Height of Pier For Straight Hollow Pier and Tapered Hollow Circular Pier.

Fig. 4.3 The Variation of Slenderness ratio for different height of pier for straight hollow pier and tapered hollow circular pier

25 TARCE - Vol.1 No.2 July-December 2012

S. A. Halkude and D.L.Mittapalli

Fig.4.4 Variation of slope for different height of bridge pier for tapered hollow circular bridge pier

Table III Cost Comparison for Different Height of Bridge Pier for Tapered Hollow Circular Pier And Straight Hollow Circular Pier

Fig. 4.5 Variation in cost comparison for different height of bridge pier for Tapered hollow circular pier and straight hollow circular pier

TARCE - Vol.1 No.2 July-December 2012 26

 Second Order Analysis of Hollow Tapered Circular Bridge Pier
Cost of construction of pier obviously increases as the
height of bridge pier increases. The rate of increase in cost
of construction for Tapered hollow circular pier is milder in
comparison with straight hollow circular pier. (Refer Table
III & Figure 4.5)
V. Conclusion
1. The Volume of concrete required obviously increases
with increase in Height of bridge pier.
2. The rate of increase of volume of concrete required is
milder for Tapered hollow circular pier in comparison
with straight Hollow circular pier.
3. The slenderness ratio is smaller for tapered hollow
circular pier in comparison with straight hollow circular
pier.
4. As the height of the bridge pier increases the side slope
of the tapered hollow circular pier decreases.
5. As the height of bridge pier increases the cost of
construction for bridge pier increases.
6. The cost of construction of tapered hollow circular pier
is less in comparison with straight hollow circular pier.
7. It can be concluded that as the height of pier increases
the straight hollow circular bridge pier proves to be
uneconomical as compared to Tapered hollow circular
bridge pier.
VI. Notations
27
References
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Economics,” Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd., New Delhi,
1994.
[4] S. P. Timoshenko and J. M. Gere, “Theory of Elastic Stability,”
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[5] Standard specification and code of practice for Road Bridges, Section-
VII, IRC-78, Foundation and substructure, The Indian Road Congress,
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