Seismic Column-to-Footing Connections Using Grouted Splice Sleeves

Abstract

Mechanical couplers have been used in connections between prefabricated reinforced concrete elements. Grouted splice sleeves offer good construction tolerance and a bond related load transfer mechanism between the connecting members. The present study investigates the seismic performance of grouted splice sleeve connections with the connectors placed in the column or footing of bridge subassemblies, and intentional debonding of the footing dowel bars. Quasi static cyclic loads were used to test three half scale precast column to footing specimens and one cast in place control specimen. The precast concrete specimens incorporated grouted splice sleeve connectors in which two bars were grouted at both ends. Experimental results show that the precast subassemblies had a lower displacement ductility capacity than the control specimen. Improved seismic response was observed when the splice sleeve connectors were located inside the footing rather than the column end. An intentional debonded reinforcing bar zone was used to further improve the displacement ductility capacity of the bridge subassembly.