Numerical Simulation Analysis of the Seismic Performance of Precast Bridge Piers

Table 2

Definition of component level-based performance levels.

Performance level	Performance objective	Qualitative description of the performance level	Quantitative description of the performance level
I	Cracking	Hairline cracks appear	Cracks are almost invisible
II	Yielding	The first longitudinal rebar theoretically yields	Crack width <1 mm
III	Plastic hinge beginning to form	Nonlinear deformation occurs; the concrete cover starts to spall; inclined cracks develop	Crack width of 1–2 mm; height of the concrete spalling zone >1/10 of the height of the cross-section
IV	Plastic hinge completely formed	Large cracks are formed; the concrete in local damaged regions spalls completely	Crack width >2 mm; inclined cracks develop within 2/3 of the height of the cross-section from the pier cap; height of the concrete spalling zone >1/2 of the height of the cross-section
V	Strength degradation	Longitudinal rebars buckle; stirrups fracture; core concrete crushed	Crack width of core concrete >2 mm; expansion of core concrete >5%