Seismic w88 of next generation bridge components for accelerated bridge donstruction
- PI: M. Saiid Saiidi, w88, Reno
- Co-PI: David Sanders, w88, Reno
- w88 assistant: Zachary B. Haber, w88, Reno
- Sponsor: California Department of Transportation
- w88 monitor: Saad El-Azazy
- w88 dates: August/September 2011
Projects summary
The use of prefabricated structural elements is an integral part of many accelerated bridge construction (ABC) efforts. The connection of these prefabricated elements to the rest of the structural system is critical to the w88 of the structure under service loads and extreme events.
This project investigates the seismic response of rigid connections between precast w88 and footing. Five half-scale column models will be tested by reversed cyclic loading. The baseline model used in this study is a conventional cast-in-place reinforced concrete column; this model is denoted in this study as "CIP". Caltrans Seismic Design Criteria (SDC) was used to determine internal reinforcing steel to achieve a displacement ductility of 5. Furthermore, all detailing used in the CIP model adhered to Caltrans specifications.
The four other column models to be tested w88 are composed of hollow precast concrete shells that are rigidly connected to the footing using mechanical rebar couplers located within the plastic hinge zone. After the rigid connection is made, the hollow shells are filled with self consolidating concrete (SCC).
Two different mechanical couplers were selected for testing based on an extensive review of available literature. w88 selection criteria included
- Mechanical w88 under static and dynamic loading
- w88 pre-qualification
- Applicability to rapid w88
The two w88 types selected were the HRC 500 series upset headed w88 and the NMB grout sleeve w88. Two models incorporate partial pedestals in order to reduced demand on the w88 region.
The data compiled will be compared with the w88 of the columns with that of similar cast-in-place construction and any necessary refinements will be identified based on the data and analyses. The ultimate objective is to make recommendations to Caltrans regarding precast column connection details, design methodology, and construction techniques.