Experimental Studies on Seismic Performance of Mechanically Spliced Precast Bridge Columns
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 27, Issue 11
Abstract
A mechanical bar splice, which is known as a bar coupler, is an alternative to traditional lap splicing to connect bars in reinforced-concrete (RC) structures. Although it is feasible to incorporate mechanical bar splices in bridge bents as a precast detailing to expedite construction, the use of bar couplers in the plastic hinge region of bridge columns is prohibited in current US codes. This ban was mainly because the coupler performance and the effects of couplers on the seismic behavior of columns were not fully understood. Further, the test data regarding the performance of mechanically spliced bridge columns are scarce, and the available data are for columns with different geometries, confinements, and testing procedures. An experimental investigation was performed to systematically determine the seismic performance of mechanically spliced bridge columns and to develop the most comprehensive test database for these columns. Seven half-scale bridge columns were constructed and tested. One column was cast-in-place (CIP) to serve as the reference model and six were precast and incorporating different couplers at the column base with a coupler product per specimen. Two grouted, one threaded, and three hybrid couplers were included. To minimize the effects of other test parameters, all columns had the same geometry, were longitudinally reinforced with steel bars from a single batch, and were tested under the same loading. The test results showed that seismic couplers, which had a consistent failure mode of bar fracture, reduced the precast column displacement capacities from 3% to 45% compared with CIP and the lateral strength of the precast columns was slightly higher than that of CIP. All precast columns that were tested in this study met the current code seismic requirements; therefore, they might be used in any seismic region of the United States. However, only seismic couplers must be utilized in bridge bents. Finally, a simple design method for mechanically spliced bridge columns was evaluated using a database that consisted of 10 specimens and was viable for practice.
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Acknowledgments
The contents of this document, which was jointly funded by the South Dakota State University, industry partners, and the US DOT through the Mountain Plains Consortium—University Transportation Center, reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the US DOT. This document does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The project objectives could not be accomplished without the support of several industry partners. The authors are indebted to Dayton Superior, Dextra America, nVent LENTON, Headed Reinforcement, Splice Sleeve North America, Contractors Materials Company, and Gage Brothers for sponsoring the project, in-kind material donation, technical feedback, or both throughout the project. The authors would like to thank Mr. Zach Gutzmer, the manager of LSL, and Aric Jensen, an undergraduate student, for their efforts during this project.
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Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 27 • Issue 11 • November 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 28, 2022
Accepted: Jun 26, 2022
Published online: Sep 1, 2022
Published in print: Nov 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Feb 1, 2023
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Cited by
- Mostafa Tazarv, Mathew LaVoy, Theodore Sjurseth, Evan Greeneway, Nadim Wehbe, Analysis and design of mechanically spliced precast bridge columns, Engineering Structures, 10.1016/j.engstruct.2023.115726, 280, (115726), (2023).
- Mostafa Tazarv, Kwanghee Won, Youjeong Jang, Kallan Hart, Evan Greeneway, Post-earthquake serviceability assessment of standard RC bridge columns using computer vision and seismic analyses, Engineering Structures, 10.1016/j.engstruct.2022.115002, 272, (115002), (2022).