Dynamic Behavior of Repairable and Constructible Precast Bridge Columns

Columns are usually the weak links in conventional bridges for seismic design. In current seismic codes, bridge collapse is prevented under rare earthquakes by providing large ductility, but damage of ductile elements including columns is allowed. Reinforced concrete (RC) columns are widely used in seismic regions of the US due to their controlled ductility through confinement and enhanced durability. Damage of RC columns under moderate earthquakes includes cracking, reinforcement yielding, and major spalling. Nevertheless, significant damage is expected under strong earthquakes, which may result in the bridge closure for repair or total replacement. Even though current practice is successful in attaining the no-collapse objective, a new design paradigm is emerging to minimize bridge column damage incorporating low- to no-damage materials and techniques. The benefit can be enhanced if the low-damage details are combined with precast techniques to further promote accelerated bridge construction (ABC). This proposal explores the seismic behavior of a new class of precast bridge columns that are repairable through component replacement. The project goals are achieved by developing new repairable and constructible precast column detailing, performing pre- and post-test analytical studies, large-scale shake-table testing of a top column model, and proposing design and construction recommendations for such columns. Outcomes include dynamic experimental data, design and construction recommendations, and dissemination through technical reports and journal publications. Repairable precast columns may further facilitate the implementation of ABC in high seismic regions of the nation due to their improved performance.

• Record URL:
  • https://abc-utc.fiu.edu/dynamic-behavior-of-repairable-and-constructible-precast-bridge-columns/

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $85,045.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348322

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Innovative Bridge Technologies/Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (IBT/ABC-UTC)

  Florida International University
  Miami, FL  United States 

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Nevada, Reno

  College of Engineering
  Reno, NV  United States  89557
• Principal Investigators:

  Tazarv, Mostafa

• Start Date: 20260101
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge construction; Columns; Earthquake resistant design; Precast concrete; Reinforced concrete bridges
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01987960
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Innovative Bridge Technologies/Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (IBT/ABC-UTC)
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348322
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Apr 27 2026 7:35PM