Emulative seismic resistant technology for Accelerated Bridge Construction

Abstract

Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) offers advantages such as rapid construction, limited traffic disruption, fast project delivery, cost savings for the formwork, more accuracy in construction due to prefabrication, better quality control, higher durability, reduced weight of the bridge structure, enhanced safety, and less environmental impacts. ABC has been successfully deployed in low seismic regions. However, given the uncertainty about the adequate performance of connections between precast elements, application of ABC in high seismic regions has been limited. The research investigates the use of two types of emulative connections in a precast bent. The column-to-footing connection consists of member socket, while the column-to-cap beam connection is grouted ducts. These connections intend to emulate the traditional formation of plastic hinges in the bridge columns during an earthquake. A half-scale specimens with emulative connections was tested under quasi-static cyclic loading. Experimental results showed adequate seismic performance of the specimen compared to cast-in-place construction.