Pretensioned, rocking bridge columns for accelerated construction and enhanced seismic performance

Travis Thonstad, Islam M. Mantawy, Marc O. Eberhard, John F. Stanton, David H. Sanders

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new precast bridge bent system has been developed that accelerates on-site construction activities, minimizes residual displacements even after large seismic events and reduces post-earthquake damage. The connections are the key to the system's seismic performance. They were tested under quasi-static conditions and found to perform exceptionally well with nearly zero strength degradation and little concrete damage, even after being loaded cyclically up to drift ratios of 10%. The restoring properties of the system were evaluated through multi-shaking table tests conducted on a quarter-scale, two-span bridge specimen. The maximum residual drift ratio during testing was 0.4%, even after excursions to drift ratios exceeding 13%. This paper describes the new system, compares its performance to that of more conventional cast-in-place construction, and describes key aspects of its design philosophy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIABSE Conference, Vancouver 2017
Subtitle of host publicationEngineering the Future - Report
PublisherInternational Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)
Pages1304-1311
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9783857481536
StatePublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event39th IABSE Symposium in Vancouver 2017: Engineering the Future - Vancouver, Canada
Duration: Sep 21 2017Sep 23 2017

Publication series

NameIABSE Conference, Vancouver 2017: Engineering the Future - Report
Volume109

Conference

Conference39th IABSE Symposium in Vancouver 2017: Engineering the Future
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityVancouver
Period9/21/179/23/17

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Building and Construction
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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