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The Federal Highway Administration is actively promoting Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) as part of the "Every Day Counts" initiative, in an effort to reduce bridge construction time while improving work-zone safety and minimizing environmental impacts. The "Every Day Counts" initiative promotes Highways for LIFE (HfL) projects, allowing states to implement new and innovative technologies for better performance of prefabricated bridge elements in seismic zones. Prefabricated bridge components are in increasing demand for accelerated bridge construction. Precasting eliminates the need for forming, casting, and curing of concrete on site, making bridge construction safer while improving quality and durability. This paper describes the development and implementation of a precast concrete bridge bent system suitable for ABC in high seismic zones, such as western Washington State. At the base of the bent, the column is connected to a spread footing using a socket connection, while at the top the column is joined to the cap beam using bars grouted in ducts. In both cases the connection was verified by testing before the system was implemented on site by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). WSDOT has been aggressively pursuing ABC, and this bridge bent system forms part of that effort.

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Prefabricated bridge components are in increasing demand for accelerated bridge construction. Precasting eliminates the need for forming, casting, and curing concrete in work zones and makes bridge construction safer while improving quality and durability. Precast bridges consisting of pretensioned girders, posttensioned spliced girders, trapezoidal open box girders, and other types of superstructure members are often used for accelerated bridge construction; however, bridge engineers are concerned with the durability and performance of bridges made of precast members in areas of high or moderate seismicity. The applicability of the AASHTO load and resistance factor design specifications to precast prefabricated bridges in areas of high or moderate seismicity was examined. The different seismic design methodologies were reviewed and guidance in their application to precast bridges is provided. The Washington State Department of Transportation design criteria and recent research and bridge projects using the accelerated bridge construction technique in Washington State are reviewed.