Development of ABC Course Module – Seismic Connections
The great majority of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) bridges are built using components that need to be connected on site. The size of the components, and therefore the number of connections, varies according to the ABC method used. For example, in construction using SPMTs, the entire superstructure is typically brought to the site in a single piece. In bridges constructed from precast concrete beams and columns, many more connections may be needed. However, in all cases connections are an integral part of the methodology. They are most conveniently located at the intersection of linear elements, such as beams and columns, which also happen to be the usual location of the largest bending moments. Thus, the on-site connection must be designed to be easy and quick to complete, which usually implies the need to accommodate dimensional discrepancies, but at the same time be sufficiently robust to sustain severe inelastic deformations due to the seismic loading. Those characteristics of constructability and robustness are nearly mutually exclusive, so designing to achieve both simultaneously constitutes a significant challenge. In the past two decades, great strides have been made in developing such connections, and they have made ABC viable even in severe seismic regions. Efforts have been made to standardize some of the results, and to create Guide Specifications for their design and construction (NCHRP 12-102, NCHRP 12-105). However, they have been developed by many different agencies, and their variations are legion, with the result that an engineer may find difficulty in determining their relative advantages and shortcomings, and therefore in selecting the connection most appropriate for the job. The goal of the proposed research is to provide a summary of the different types of seismic connection that can be achieved using ABC methods, for the benefit of future users who may not be familiar with the extensive literature on the subject. Many different connection types have been developed, so the primary effort will go into the process of categorizing them in a rational way.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $20,000
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Contract Numbers:
69A3551747121
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Sponsor Organizations:
Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)
Florida International University
10555 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL United States 33174Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)
Florida International University
10555 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL United States 33174 -
Performing Organizations:
University of Washington, Seattle
1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 535
Seattle, WA United States 98105Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)
Florida International University
10555 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL United States 33174 -
Principal Investigators:
Dawn, E
- Start Date: 20190101
- Expected Completion Date: 20230804
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bridge construction; Earthquake resistant design; Education and training; Structural connection
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Education and Training; Highways;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01700431
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)
- Contract Numbers: 69A3551747121
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Mar 29 2019 1:38PM