New Connection Detail to Connect Precast Column to Cap Beam using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete in Accelerated Bridge Construction Applications

Abstract

Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is a paradigm change in delivery of bridges. ABC minimizes the traffic interruption, enhances safety to public and workers by significantly reducing on-site construction activities, and results in longer-lasting bridges. The use of precast elements is gaining attention owing to inherent benefits of accelerated construction. Designing an economical connection is one of the main concerns for these structures. New improved materials such as ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with superior characteristics can provide solutions for joining precast concrete elements. In this paper two types of column to cap beam connection using UHPC are proposed for seismic and non-seismic regions. Among the merits of the proposed details, large tolerances in construction and simplicity of the connection can be highlighted which facilitates and accelerates the on-site construction time. The experimental program was carried out to evaluate the performance and structural behavior of the proposed connections. Four specimens were subjected to constant axial compressive loads and cyclic lateral loading. Results of the experiment showed that the displacement ductility of the specimens, incorporating suggested details, demonstrated adequate levels of displacement ductility. More importantly, the proposed connections prevented the damage into capacity protected element—in this case the cap beam. Analytical and nonlinear finite element analysis on the specimens was carried out to better comprehend the behavior of the proposed connections.

State-of-the-art review of the seismic performance of precast segmental columns

“…It was found only minor spalling was developed at the cover concrete. Shafieifar et al (2018) proposed a connection for precast footing or cap beam-column connection, in which a splice region was designed and UHPC was used to cast the splice region after the assembling of the column. The designs could achieve a rapid construction with relatively large tolerance for construction.…”

Construction and Performance Monitoring of Innovative Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Bridge

“…Due to UHPC grouting material's improved shear bearing capacity, the beam stress is effectively reduced and the development of oblique cracks is inhibited [14]. To better comprehend the behavior of precast deck connections for accelerated construction, a new connection detail to connect a precast column to a cap beam was analyzed using nonlinear finite element analysis [15]. Furthermore, small-scale direct shear tests and large-scale double shear push-off tests were performed on innovative connections constructed using UHPC materials.…”

Outdoor Test of a Prefabricated Column–Pile Cap–Pile System under Combined Vertical and Lateral Loads

“…Several methods have the potential to establish connections for prefabricated column-pile cappile systems. As per NCHRP Report 698 (Marsh et al 2011), they are classified as: 1) splicing of reinforcements of adjoining prefabricated elements using mechanical couplers or Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) (Ameli and Pantelides 2017;Haber et al 2014;Shafieifar et al 2018); 2) grouted ducts to embed individual reinforcement extending from one component to another (Restrepo et al 2011); 3) preformed pockets for embedding a group of projected reinforcements (Restrepo et al 2011); 4) preformed sockets for embedding the end of members; 5) casting a concrete member surrounding the prefabricated member (Haraldsson et al 2013), and 6) post-tensioning (Culmo 2009). Among these connection types, the socket connection offers numerous advantages including compatibility with prefabricated components, ample installation tolerance, and simplified construction procedure, making this type of connection more desirable for field implementations.…”