Title: Seismic Performance of Interior Shear Keys of Highway Bridges

Author(s): Qiang Han, Meng-Han Hu, Yu-Long Zhou, and Xiu-Li Du

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 115

Issue: 4

Appears on pages(s): 1011-1021

Keywords: analytical model; cyclic test; failure mode; highway bridge; interior shear key; seismic behavior

DOI: 10.14359/51701916

Date: 7/1/2018

Abstract:
Using interior shear keys as structural fuses to provide transverse support for superstructures when subjected to seismic loading has been widely adopted in short- to medium-span bridges. Six specimens with different shear-span ratios, vertical reinforcement ratios, and construction joint types were designed based on the current Chinese seismic design guidelines. These specimens were tested subjected to reversed cyclic lateral loading, and three failure modes (that is, diagonal tension failure, sliding shear failure, and sliding friction failure) were observed during the tests. Two analytical models were developed to predict the force-displacement envelope response of interior shear keys with monolithic and resilient construction joints, respectively. The analytical results were in good agreement with the experimental data. The interior shear keys with resilient construction joints presented satisfactory displacement capacity, and limited the damage resulting from the seismic loading in the shear keys and cap beams.