Pretensioned, rocking bridge columns for accelerated construction and enhanced seismic performance
Conference
Thonstad, T, Mantawy, IM, Eberhard, MO et al. (2017). Pretensioned, rocking bridge columns for accelerated construction and enhanced seismic performance
. 109 1304-1311.
Thonstad, T, Mantawy, IM, Eberhard, MO et al. (2017). Pretensioned, rocking bridge columns for accelerated construction and enhanced seismic performance
. 109 1304-1311.
A new precast bridge bent system has been developed that accelerates on-site construction activities, minimizes residual displacements even after large seismic events and reduces post-earthquake damage. The connections are the key to the system's seismic performance. They were tested under quasi-static conditions and found to perform exceptionally well with nearly zero strength degradation and little concrete damage, even after being loaded cyclically up to drift ratios of 10%. The restoring properties of the system were evaluated through multi-shaking table tests conducted on a quarter-scale, two-span bridge specimen. The maximum residual drift ratio during testing was 0.4%, even after excursions to drift ratios exceeding 13%. This paper describes the new system, compares its performance to that of more conventional cast-in-place construction, and describes key aspects of its design philosophy.
