Review of experimental investigations on seismic performance of precast segmental bridge columns in seismic regions

Abstract

Due to the fast construction and low interference, precast segmental bridge columns have gained increasing attention for use in non-seismic regions. However, their applications in seismic areas remain scarce due to their ambiguous dynamic performance. To estimate the seismic performance of PSBCs, existing quasi-static cyclic tests and shaking table tests are gathered and reviewed in this study. According to the structural details and material property at the joints, the PSBCs are categorized as 11 types based on the connection type, namely grouted splice sleeve couplers (GSSCs), grouted corrugated duct connections (GCDCs), wet joint connections (WJCs), mechanical bar splice connections, socket connections (SCs), unbonded post-tensioned tendon connections (UPTCs), partial precast columns (PPCs), hybrid connections (HCs), high-strength steel bars (HSBs), high-performance concrete (HPC), and external dissipators (EXDs). Based on the experimental results, the failure reason of each connection types are discussed and the effective structural details are suggested. And also, the PSBCs are divided into those with ductile and resilient connections according to the damage levels, residual drift ratios, displacement ductility coefficients, equivalent viscous damping ratios and effective stiffness parameters. With the achievements in this research, the application of PSBCs is expected to be promoted in medium-to-high seismic regions.