Self-Centering Bridge Bent for Accelerated Bridge Construction

Precast concrete construction has been proven to be very efficient in bridge engineering, especially in accelerated bridge construction (ABC), where precast concrete components are connected to save time and minimize disruption of traffic. Post-tensioned (PT) concrete structural elements when combined with energy dissipators (ED) create a hybrid system which ensures self-centering, energy dissipation, and minimum residual drift. The present study investigates the connection of precast concrete elements with unbonded post-tensioned bars and stretch length anchors (SLA) and their seismic performance. This study consists of the construction of a precast concrete bridge bent consisting of two footings, two columns, and a cap beam; the bridge bent was tested under quasi-static cyclic load. The scaled bridge bent is a 42% scale model of the Riverdale Bridge, located over I-80 in Utah. Post-tensioned bars connect the cap-beam, columns, and footings, whereas the SLAs connect the cap-beam to the columns, and the columns to the footings. The SLAs are not part of the existing bridge. The tested bridge bent performed very well under cyclic loads with good re-centering, minimum residual displacement, good energy dissipation, and minimal damage to the structure. SLAs yielded early and displayed good energy dissipation. Initially stressed post-tensioned bars played an important role in self-centering of the bridge bent and only yielded at the end of the test. Gap opening in the precast bridge bent avoided damage of concrete in the plastic hinge region.

• Record URL:
  https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=1041
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/58605
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Utah, Salt Lake City

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Salt Lake City, UT  United States 

  Mountain-Plains Consortium

  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States  58108

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Pantelides, Chris P
  • Thapa, Dipendra
• Publication Date: 2021-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 96p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Anchors (Structural connectors); Bents; Bridge construction; Load tests; Precast concrete
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01781881
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MPC-21-436
• Contract Numbers: MPC-545
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 20 2021 2:52PM