Design of Precast Concrete Piers for Rapid Bridge Construction in Seismic Regions
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Bridge construction can cause significant traffic delays on already congested
highways in many metropolitan areas. The incorporation of precast concrete elements, which can be fabricated off-site in advance of construction, in bridges can reduce the negative impacts of construction on traffic flow by shortening construction schedules and reducing the number of construction operations performed at the bridge site. Precast concrete pier elements have been used rarely in seismic regions because of the difficulty associated with making connections between the precast elements that not only can withstand the force and deformation demands during an earthquake but that can also be constructed easily. This report describes research that developed and evaluated practical methodologies for the seismic design of precast bridge piers. Such methods are needed for bridge engineers to design economical and safe precast bridges.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Bridge construction can cause significant traffic delays on already congested
highways in many metropolitan areas. The incorporation of precast concrete elements, which can be fabricated off-site in advance of construction, in bridges can reduce the negative impacts of construction on traffic flow by shortening construction schedules and reducing the number of construction operations performed at the bridge site. Precast concrete pier elements have been used rarely in seismic regions because of the difficulty associated with making connections between the precast elements that not only can withstand the force and deformation demands during an earthquake but that can also be constructed easily. This report describes research that developed and evaluated practical methodologies for the seismic design of precast bridge piers. Such methods are needed for bridge engineers to design economical and safe precast bridges.
Download
*