Novel Pile-to-Pilecap Connection Under Lateral Load

Abstract

Pile-to-pilecap connection such as in integral abutment bridges is vulnerable to lateral loads as well as seismic loads. This connection may govern the bridge strength and performance against various lateral loads. However, previous researches have merely focused on the connection between pile and pilecap. Preliminary study has investigated possible crack patterns between concrete pilecap and steel HP pile using finite element analyses. It was found that the crack patterns are sensitive to the boundary conditions specified in the simulation. The reinforcement detail specified in PennDOT DM4 was barely effective in controlling crack growing but spiral rebar was proved to be effective in delaying crack growth as well as absorbing energy capacity. In this study, two types of connection details of (1) HSS tube type and (2) removed flange type were investigated in terms of crack control. The connection with a HSS tube exhibited to be effective in prevention of crack propagations from the surface of the bottom pilecap. However, second crack was initiated from the corner region of the tube after first crack was arrested; resulting in lower energy absorption capacity compared to both spiral and removed flange details. In the connection with removed flange, concrete crack initiations were mitigated or delayed successfully.