Seismic performance of a structural concrete pile-wharf connection before and after retrofit

A full-scale precast prestressed concrete (PC) pile-wharf specimen with a T-headed dowel bar connection detail was tested under realistic loading and boundary conditions. The testing program introduced several seismic protocols, which were determined from nonlinear dynamic analyses of typical U.S. port structure subjected to ground motions for various hazard levels. Conventional reversed cyclic tests also conducted on the connection, damaged by before after retrofit. showed excellent performance in terms both strength ductility. It confirmed that lateral drift response such PC is largely governed rigid-body rocking mechanism, spalling pile deck near joint region appearing be main cause stiffness degradation. This study considered section enlargement technique as an efficient retrofitting method connections container structures. retrofitted (with prior damage) higher improved capacity, but its deformation capacity (ductility) inevitably limited previously accumulated damage along (where no strengthening applied).