SEISMIC DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE OF PRECAST CONCRETE SEGMENTAL BRIDGE COLUMNS

This report describes the testing of unbonded post-tensioned precast concrete segmental bridge columns under simulated lateral earthquake loading. Two columns with a high aspect ratio and two columns with a low aspect ratio were tested under simulated lateral seismic loading. The specimens all contained the same amount of prestressing steel and each was tested with a relatively low initial tendon stress and with a higher initial prestress level. An analytical model, which described the column force-displacement behavior, was used for predicting column response prior to testing.. It was found that the model reasonably predicted the column force-displacement response. Conclusions and design recommendations are presented, based on the experimental findings.