Title: Shifted Plastic Hinging for Grouted Sleeve Column Connections

Author(s): Haider M. Al-Jelawy, Kevin R. Mackie, and Zachary B. Haber

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 115

Issue: 4

Appears on pages(s): 1101-1114

Keywords: bridge column; grouted sleeves; precast column; seismic performance; shifted plastic hinge

DOI: 10.14359/51702233

Date: 7/1/2018

Abstract:
Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is being increasingly used in new bridge construction and repair. For bridge substructure elements, ABC typically requires connections, such as mechanical couplers, between prefabricated elements where moment demands are largest. Grouted sleeves (GSs) offer good construction tolerances and load transfer between precast concrete elements. Therefore, they have gained interest for use in ABC in seismic regions. Large-scale precast column models using GS splices were designed and tested using a shifted plastic hinge (SPH) concept to minimize the damage in the footing and retain the column ductility. The testing matrix considered aspect ratio, moment gradient, and splicing details. Results showed that SPH can be used for flexural and flexural-shear columns; plastic hinging formed above the sleeve region and footing dowels remained elastic to minimize footing damage. Each precast column exhibited good ductility and energy dissipation, and formed slightly shorter SPH length compared with conventional columns.