Experimental study on seismic performance of post-tensioned precast segmental piers designed with multiple joint openings

• Published in: Engineering structures 2024-11, Vol.318, p.118664, Article 118664
• Main Authors: Li, Xirui, Unjoh, Shigeki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accelerated bridge construction; Damage control rubber joint; Joint opening; Post-tensioned tendon; Precast segmental pier; Quasi-static cyclic tests
• ISSN: 0141-0296
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.118664

In accelerated bridge construction (ABC), precast segmental piers (PSPs) have shown significant progress in shortening the construction period and reducing the cost. By combining multiple segments with post-tensioned (PT) tendons, the desired self-centering ability can be introduced; however, this may lead to a lower energy dissipation (ED) capacity and concentrated damage. To address this concern, the present study proposes a design concept that promotes multiple joint openings to achieve a better energy dissipation capacity and decentralized damage without compromising the self-centering ability. Two main approaches for this objective are discussed in detail. The first approach incorporates different arrangements of ED rebars at various joints, while the second introduces innovative damage control rubber joints (DCRJs) with varying stiffness beneath each segment. Four scaled specimens designed using these two approaches were quasi-statically tested. The observed damage, final failure mode, energy dissipation capacity, resilience index, and damage decentralization were further examined. The results revealed that for PSPs designed using the first approach, the joint openings were successfully decentralized only up to a certain level, after which they were still predominantly concentrated at a single joint, leading to strength degradation and damage concentration. PSPs designed using the second approach demonstrated decentralized joint openings, improved displacement ductility, and damage mitigation, resulting in both superior seismic and post-seismic performance. •A concept involving multiple joint openings for the seismic design of post-tensioned precast segmental piers was proposed.•A precast segmental pier with a different arrangement of ED rebars was designed and tested.•Two precast segmental piers with innovative damage control rubber joints were designed and tested.•The seismic performance of the precast segmental specimen with different arrangement was investigated.