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<p>Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) methods have been limited in moderate-to-high seismic regions because of concerns about the performance of connections. A study was carried out for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) on the seismic performance of precast columns with grouted couplers versus the conventional cast-in-place columns. Experimental data provided the necessary input to model the grouted couplers. Using the OpenSees finite element analysis program, selected bridges were subjected to the seismic conditions of the most seismically active location in Idaho. The stresses in both the longitudinal reinforcing bars and the grouted coupler regions are found to be well within acceptable ranges. The largest column drift, using a combination of orthogonal displacements, is about 1.6 percent. Furthermore, grouted couplers may be used to connect precast columns to footings or cap beams for columns with less than 4 percent drift.</p>

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