Analysis of the Seismic Behavior of a Wall Pier of a Covered Bridge Based on the Multi-Layer Shell Element

To investigate the seismic behavior of wall pier a covered bridge, multi-layer shell element in OpenSEES was used to carry out numerical analysis under horizontal low cyclic loading weak axis direction. The effects mesh divisions models were evaluated and hysteretic curves, skeleton bearing energy dissipation capacity, stiffness degradation displacement ductility with different lateral modes mainly researched. results demonstrate that discretization layers along thickness direction model has very limited effect on curves. division depends vertical, vertical spacing shall be longer than plastic hinge length 0.5744 m. arrangement points is critical for pier. suffering force from five presents relatively strong larger ductility, but this layout may cause more concentrated at local position. When are evenly distributed, capacity changes sharply diminishes. Successively, performance indexes position tend consistent increasing points. deformation nearby denser side becomes larger, minor impact far without bent cap three bearings set supposed reasonable bridge through overall performance.