Title:
Precast Seismic Bridge Column Connection Using Ultra- High-Performance Concrete Lap Splice
Author(s):
Titchenda Chan, Kevin R. Mackie, and Zachary B. Haber
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
117
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
217-229
Keywords:
accelerated bridge construction; bond slip; ductility; highstrength steel; lap splice; shifted plastic hinge
DOI:
10.14359/51718021
Date:
1/1/2020
Abstract:
In high seismic regions, prefabricated columns have seen limited applications because the connections generally coincide with the plastic hinge (PH) region, where major damage occurs. This paper proposes a simple and damage-tolerant precast column connection for use in medium and high seismic regions that uses ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). The connection laps the longitudinal reinforcement from precast column with footing dowel bars using a short splice length, a practical reinforcing bar cover, and no shear reinforcement within the connection region. High-strength bars were used as the footing dowels to shift PH formation above the connection region to prevent footing damage due to inelastic strain penetration, and ensure the target lateral load and displacement ductility capacity. The connection was investigated experimentally by testing two 0.42-scale precast columns (flexural and flexural-shear) under reversed cyclic loading. Responses of the precast columns were compared with two reference cast-in-place (CIP) columns. Results indicate that the proposed connection performed well in shear, developed the column longitudinal bars, shifted PH formation above the UHPC region, and exhibited similar or improved lateral capacity and ductility compared with the CIP columns.