Use of Precast Bridge Members in Areas of High or Moderate Seismicity

Abstract

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.

Experimental testing of hybrid sliding‐rocking bridge columns under torsional and biaxial lateral loading

“…Among ABC techniques, precast concrete segmental bridge construction is increasingly commonplace for bridge superstructures 4–7 . Yet, due to the concerns about the seismic performance of connections between precast concrete substructure components (e.g., columns, bent caps, and foundation), the use of precast concrete substructures in the seismic areas has remained limited 3,8,9 . To tackle this issue, over the last 25 years, researchers have proposed several precast concrete substructure systems with various types of connections, materials, and column designs.…”

“…During the last few decades, accelerated bridge construction (ABC) techniques have been actively sought by the bridge industry. These techniques reduce construction time and traffic disruption, improve the overall quality and durability of bridges, and lower the potential environmental and safety impacts on areas surrounding construction sites 1–3 . Among ABC techniques, precast concrete segmental bridge construction is increasingly commonplace for bridge superstructures 4–7 .…”

“…These techniques reduce construction time and traffic disruption, improve the overall quality and durability of bridges, and lower the potential environmental and safety impacts on areas surrounding construction sites. [1][2][3] Among ABC techniques, precast concrete segmental bridge construction is increasingly commonplace for bridge superstructures. [4][5][6][7] Yet, due to the concerns about the seismic performance of connections between precast concrete substructure components (e.g., columns, bent caps, and foundation), the use of precast concrete substructures in the seismic areas has remained limited.…”

“…(e.g., columns, bent caps, and foundation), the use of precast concrete substructures in the seismic areas has remained limited. 3,8,9 To tackle this issue, over the last 25 years, researchers have proposed several precast concrete substructure systems with various types of connections, materials, and column designs.…”

Seismic design and numerical assessment of shape memory alloy-restrained rocking precast concrete bridge columns

“…Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques offer several advantages over conventional bridge construction techniques, namely, faster construction, lower traffic disruptions, lower environmental/safety impacts, and higher quality control (Hieber et al 2005; Kapur and Khaleghi 2009; Marsh et al 2011; Valigura 2019). Using precast concrete elements is one of the most effective ABC techniques (Capers 2005; Freyermuth 1999; Figg and Pate 2004; Khaleghi 2005).…”