UHPC for Durable and Post-Earthquake Functional Recovery Bridge Piers

This research will advance recent material technology breakthroughs to enhance the resilience, durability, and functional recovery of bridge piers for TI subject to seismic hazard. A new type of bridge piers will be investigated that possesses very high resistance to damage and cracking, ultra-high strength, high compressive ductility, excellent corrosion resistance, and self-centering capabilities when subjected to large earthquake displacement reversals. The proposed bridge pier is developed using an innovative design concept that fully utilizes the unique mechanical behavior of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), as well as high-strength non-corrosive fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rebars or corrosion-resistant high-strength low-carbon chromium steel rebars.