Mechanical Analysis of Concrete Piers of Cross Sea Bridges under Freezing and Thawing Cycle Conditions and Wave Effects

Abstract

In high latitude areas, cross sea bridges are mainly subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and wave effects. However, due to the combined effects of wave and freeze-thaw cycles, there is not much mechanical analysis on the mechanical properties of cross sea bridge piers, and it is impossible to further strengthen the protective measures of concrete bridge piers fundamentally. Therefore, this paper using ABAQUS software, establishes a concrete bridge pier model and applies wave forces of different sizes to obtain the deformation and stress situation of the model. The model exhibits significant contraction in the middle and upper parts of the bridge pier due to the wave force. Due to the contraction, the axial length of the upper part increases, and the contraction amplitude at the bottom is not significant. A circular arc transition forms during the transition stage. In the significantly contracted part, the strain component increases with ground height, while the stress component initially increases and then decreases with ground height. In the base section, the strain stress components decrease first and then increase with the increase of ground height. The relationship between stress and strain components and wave force loads is that both stress and strain increase with the increase of wave force. Through the research results of this paper, it can optimize the design structure of concrete bridge piers, save costs, and improve safety. At the same time, this paper also summarizes several strengthening measures for concrete bridge piers to improve the durability of concrete.