Title: Repair of Earthquake-Damaged Bridge Columns

Author(s): Dawn E. Lehman, Sharon E. Gookin, Adrian M. Nacamuli, and Jack P. Moehle

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 98

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 233-242

Keywords: bridges; columns (supports); damage; repair

DOI: 10.14359/10192

Date: 3/1/2001

Abstract:
Columns supporting bridge structures may be expected to respond inelastically during strong earthquake shaking. Restoration to serviceable conditions may require repair or replacement of damaged regions, which may entail considerable cost and operational delay. To evaluate the feasibility of available repair techniques, an experimental study to evaluate repair techniques for damaged bridge columns was undertaken. The original columns were reinforced with spirals conforming to modern bridge requirements for regions of high seismic risk. Three of the test columns were severely damaged; the fourth column was moderately damaged. Repairs for the severely damaged columns used headed reinforcement, mechanical couplers, and newly cast concrete. The moderately damaged column was repaired by cover replacement and epoxy injection. The success of each scheme was evaluated by comparing the behavior of the repaired column with that of the original column as well as the repair intent.