Title:
Seismic Retrofit and Quick Repair Technique for Bridge Columns Through Transverse Prestressing
Author(s):
Murat Saatcioglu
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/17/2021
Abstract:
Reinforced concrete bridge columns built prior to the enactment of seismic design and detailing requirements of modern codes of practice suffer significant damage in the event of a strong earthquake. The column damage can be primarily due to three design deficiencies: i) insufficient shear strength, ii) lack of concrete confinement and iii) improper splicing of longitudinal reinforcement in the potential hinge region. These bridges benefit from seismic retrofitting. An innovative bridge retrofit technology was developed at the University of Ottawa, consisting of transverse prestressing to overcome all three deficiencies. Tests of large-scale bridge columns with circular and square cross-sections, having a sectional dimension of 500 mm and a shear span of either 1.5 m or 2.0 m, were tested to develop the technology. A design procedure was developed for all three deficiencies. The retrofit technology is shown to be effective as a quick repair technique after damaging earthquakes, as it induces active lateral pressure, controlling/partially closing diagonal cracks while increasing lateral clamping force against bar slip and concrete confinement. The objective of the research program reported in the paper is to present the results of experimental research and the design procedure for the seismic retrofit and quick repair technique.