Title: Precast Concrete Bridge Column-Footing Connections with Recessed Grouted Splice Sleeve Connectors

Author(s): Ryan D. Barton, M. J. Ameli, and Chris P. Pantelides

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 119

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 215-226

Keywords: accelerated bridge construction (ABC); column; connection; debonding; footing; grouted splice sleeve; mechanical coupler; precast

DOI: 10.14359/51734218

Date: 1/1/2022

Abstract:
Connections between precast components in accelerated bridge construction (ABC) play an important role in the overall seismic performance of reinforced concrete bridges. This paper describes a new ABC column-footing connection for bridges located in high seismic regions. Half-scale models were designed and built based on an ABC bridge constructed in Utah. The column-footing connection incorporated grouted splice sleeves where the bars were grouted at both ends (GGSS). The GGSS used in the two cyclic tests were placed inside the footing and were recessed a distance of eight bar diameters below the column-footing interface. The difference between the two tests was the location of bar debonding near the column-footing interface. The experimental results showed that the performance of the two specimens was satisfactory and that the connections performed similarly to monolithic cast-in-place (CIP) ones. The performance of the precast connections was compared with previous research on similar CIP and precast specimens with GGSS placed in the footing directly at the column-footing interface. Improved seismic response was observed when the GGSS were recessed inside the footing with a debonded reinforcing bar zone inside the footing.