Seismic performance of pre-fabricated segmental bridges with an innovative layered-UHPC connection

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has been regarded as promising alternative to provide reliable connections between difference segments (e.g., columns and pier footing/cap) during accelerated bridge construction (ABC) procedures. This paper proposes an innovative layered-UHPC connection for the pre-fabricated segmental (PFS) piers, whose seismic performance was validated through quasi-static experiments. Based on test results, design procedure is presented PFS with this connection, overcome observed drawbacks achieve high-level performance. The ensures emulative of bridges cast-in-place (CIP) ones, well provides greater economic efficiency than traditional UHPC connections. experimental key issues concerning including tensile behavior UHPC, height region, thickness layer steel bars in grouting bed, are discussed. Then a proposed utilizing capacity protection philosophy. expected capacity-protected component without damage, since it anchorage longitudinal bars. While region designed ductile undergoing nonlinearity strong earthquakes. Following detailed elaborations about philosophy, requirement implementation steps, further illustration examples using piers various heights. results show that according could meet under both frequent rare Note be similar CIP which believed friendly designers engineering practice.