Experimental study and numerical simulation of precast segmental bridge column with a central RC tenon

Abstract

In this study, a new connection method is proposed for improving the seismic performance of prefabricated reinforced concrete (PRC) segmental piers. In addition to the traditional grouted corrugated pipe (GCP), the new connection uses a reinforced concrete tenon (RCT) to strengthen the joint and improve the hysteretic performance of the pier under lateral loading. Experimental studies were conducted on three specimens with a scale ratio of 1:5 cast-in-place (CIP), PRC-GCP, and PRC-GCP-RCT piers. The responses of the tested specimens were compared using different performance metrics, and a comparison of the results showed that the GCP-RCT connection could provide a feasible solution because it significantly increased the lateral-load and energy-dissipation capacities of the pier. The GCP-RCT connection was also efficient in alleviating flexural damage and reducing residual displacement of the pier shaft. Moreover, three-dimensional (3D) finite-element (FE) models of the tested specimens, incorporating the contact effects between the connections of the two precast specimens, were developed in ABAQUS. Good agreement was obtained between the numerical and experimental results.