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TRB Annual Meeting

Numerical Evaluation of Precast Columns with Grouted Splice Sleeve Connectors under Sequential Impact and Seismic Loads

With the development of accelerated bridge construction (ABC), the seismic performance of typical ABC column-footing connections has been evaluated in high earthquake-prone states like Utah, California, Nevada, and Idaho. But to date, the current literature has yet to fully examine the impact behavior of coupler/rebar connections and the component under vehicle impact using numerical and finite element analysis. There is also a lack of studies on the residual seismic capacity of post-impact columns with grouted splice sleeve (GSS) connectors. This study involves two major steps. First, the finite element models are validated using experimental data, ensuring accurate representation of the coupler/rebar interface, energy transfer, and material strength degradation. Second, the validated finite element (FE) model undergoes vehicle impact tests to simulate real-world conditions. Following this, the residual seismic capacity of the half-scale column is assessed to understand the impact on structural integrity and seismic resilience of precast columns with GSS connectors. In the validation part, the FE models of test specimens with single couplers effectively capture deformation behaviors, stress distribution, and bond-slip mechanisms, ensuring efficient load transfer. They demonstrated accuracy by predicting peak impact events with minimal error margins (0.7% to 1.65%), confirming their capability to simulate dynamic behaviors. The models accurately predict crack development, failure modes, and non-visible damage within couplers. This approach validates the FE modeling method for further dynamic studies, contributing to more resilient precast concrete structures. Additionally, the FE models of half-scale columns with six couplers showed good agreement with experimental results, capturing initial elastic behavior and bond-slip law. Errors in displacement ductility capacity ranged from 3.7% to 9.8%, and errors in effective yield force ranged from 2.1% to 7.6%, demonstrating high accuracy. The models effectively captured cracking, crushing, and plastic hinge development, validating their use for further studies on seismic performance in precast concrete columns. After validation, the calibrated 3D FE model of a half-scale column was used to assess residual seismic capacity following an impact through sequential impact and quasi-static cyclic loading protocols. The three types of columns displayed distinct crack patterns and failure modes. Precast columns with grouted splice sleeves (GSSs) at the footing-column joint have smaller average displacements than cast-in-place (CIP) columns, demonstrating better impact resistance under high-velocity impacts. Comparing skeleton curves, the columns with the coupler in the column (GSS-C) exhibit the highest residual seismic capacity, followed by the columns with the coupler in the footing (GSS-F), and then CIP columns. CIP columns show extensive spalling and cracking, reducing their bearing capacity and seismic resilience. GSS-C columns maintained structural integrity better due to added reinforcement at the base. GSS-F columns perform better than CIP but are less effective than GSS-C. CIP columns can withstand impacts from vehicles under 0.9 tons at up to 22 mph, while GSS-C and GSS-F columns meet higher impact requirements. This analysis provides critical insights for assessing residual seismic capacity and guiding reinforcement measures to ensure structural integrity and safety. This study provides valuable insights into the behavior of coupler/rebar connections under impact loading, and the residual seismic capacity of post-impact columns, enhancing the understanding and safety of ABC bridges.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Edition: Final Report
  • Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 104p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01937644
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: MPC-696, MPC-24-542
  • Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Nov 21 2024 9:24AM