Parametric Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Hollow Piers Based on an Axial–Flexure–Shear Model Under Cyclic Loading and Earthquake Conditions

To enhance the understanding of the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) hollow piers, a sensitivity analysis of design parameters is conducted. A novel analytical model named the Axial–Flexure–Shear-Interaction-Membrane-Beam-Truss-Element-Model (AFSI-MBTEM) is proposed to account for the flexure–shear coupling. To avoid size effects, three full-scale rectangular RC hollow piers are simulated and validated using the AFSI-MBTEM. Based on a benchmark model, the influence of parameters on seismic responses is explored under cyclic loading, earthquakes, and different PGAs. The AFSI-MBTEM can efficiently and accurately capture the symmetric and asymmetric hysteretic curves of RC hollow piers. The influence of parameters under cyclic loading is generally consistent with that under strong earthquakes. The aspect ratio, width-to-depth ratio, wall thickness ratio, axial load ratio, and longitudinal rebar ratio have a significant influence under cyclic loading, earthquakes, and different PGAs. The influence of stirrup ratio, concrete strength, and longitudinal rebar strength becomes clear under earthquakes, especially for residual deformation. The suggested parameter values for hollow piers are as follows: aspect ratio of 4–6, width-to-depth ratio of 1.0–2.0, wall thickness ratio of 20–40%, axial load ratio of 0.05–0.10, longitudinal rebar ratio of 1.2–2.2%, stirrup ratio of 0.8–1.2%, concrete strength of C40, and longitudinal rebar strength of 400 MPa and 500 MPa.