Large‐scale seismic tests of tall concrete bridge columns with precast segmental construction

Abstract

SUMMARYPast experimental studies have shown that existing precast segmental concrete bridge columns possess unsatisfactory hysteretic energy dissipation capacity, which is an undesirable feature for applications in seismic regions. In this research, we propose new methods of precast segment construction for tall concrete bridge columns to enhance the columns' hysteretic energy dissipation capacity and lateral strength. This is accomplished by adding bonded mild steel reinforcing bars across the segment joints, strengthening the joint at the base of the column and increasing the height of the base segment (hinge segment). Four large-scale column specimens were fabricated and tested with lateral cyclic loading in the laboratory. Each specimen consisted of a foundation and 9 or 10 precast column segments. Test results of specimens with the proposed design concepts showed ductile behavior and satisfactory hysteretic energy dissipation capacity. In addition to the experimental study, an analytical study using the finite element method was conducted to understand the bond conditions, strain contours and deformation patterns of the specimens tested. Good agreement was found between the experimental observations and the results of the calibrated analytical study.

Hysteretic behavior of precast segmental bridge piers with superelastic shape memory alloy bars

“…1(b) is considered, the appropriate stiffness of the devices should be evaluated on the basis of moment distribution and joint opening criteria. It may be an option to provide energy dissipation when soft yielding devices are additionally provided to the segmental joints located above the base segment [7]. However, the surfaces between the top of the base segment and the bottom of the second segment can be easily crushed, with the column becoming unstable.…”

“…The benefits of precast segmental constructions include the reduction of both environment constraints and construction time. More recently, segmental post-tensioned (PT) bridge piers have been investigated intensively in the USA [6], Taiwan [7], and other countries [8], where projects are being conducted by their national research centers or highway institutes such as MCEER [9] in the USA and NCREE at Taiwan.…”

Seismic response of a rocking bridge column using a precast hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HyFRC) tube

“…In a rocking column, the concrete in the unbonded region develops insignificant tensile strain. However, it remains susceptible to compression damage, including spalling of concrete cover [27][28][29]. Use of HyFRC in rocking columns has been shown to be effective in resisting compression damage at the rocking plane, improving the overall ductility of the column [13,14].…”

Controlled Rocking, Dissipative Controlled Rocking and Multi-Hierarchical Activation: Numerical Analysis and Experimental Testing

“…Outside this institution, research has been more focussed on applying low damage technologies to accelerated bridge construction (especially in the US) and the application of DCR to tall segmental concrete bridge piers (Fig. 5) as a means of increasing the dissipative capacity of the pier [24][25][26].…”