Experimental study of CFST embedded precast concrete bridge column-foundation connection with studs

Abstract

Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is increasingly gained attention worldwide based on its advantage of high-quality precast elements, less environmental effect, quick construction speed, and minimum traffic block. The seismic performance of prefabricated bridge structures is mainly dependent on the feasibility of connections. To efficiently bear the load from the gravity of other elements and deformation ability in high seismic areas, in this study, an innovative contrete-filled steel tube (CFST) embedded precast concrete bridge column-foundation connection with studs was put forwards. Two 1:2 scale specimens were designed to verify the seismic performance of the proposed connection type. One is a precast specimen with the bridge column-foundation connection, the other is the conventional cast-in-place (CIP) specimen as a reference. The experimental observations and seismic properties were analyzed and compared with those of the CIP specimen, such as failure mode, load-displacement curves, energy dissipation, etc. The finite element model of the precast specimen with bridge column-foundation connection was established and the validated model was used to conduct the parametric study. The precast specimen with bridge column-foundation connection has a larger capacity, ductility, energy dissipation, and equivalent viscous damping ratio than the CIP specimen. Axial compression ratio, embedded depth, and concrete strength affect the seismic performance of the precast specimen with the bridge column-foundation connection. The proposed CFST embedded precast concrete bridge column-foundation connection can be applied to ABC technology in high seismic areas.