Large-scale quasi-static testing of precast bridge column with pocket connections using noncontact lap-spliced bars and UHPC grout

A novel pocket connection was put forward to be utilized in both ends of a precast bridge column to connect cap beam and foundation, respectively. The pocket connection adopted noncontact lap-spliced bars and ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) grout. One 1:2.5 scale specimen was fabricated and tested to investigate the seismic performance of the precast bridge column with the proposed pocket connections. Based on OpenSees platform, a verified finite element model was utilized to simulate cyclic behavior of a monolithic reinforced concrete companion. The comparison was carried out to evaluate the precast bridge column in a comprehensive way. The results show that drift capacities of the two bridge columns are up to 5% and controlled by lateral force degradation. The lapped length of five times diameter is feasible when UHPC grout is used for longitudinal bars with a diameter no more than 32 mm. For the precast bridge column, the joint opening between column and foundation contributes over 30% to total lateral displacement and traditional equivalent plastic hinge model may be not suitable. With drift ratio over 1.5%, the precast specimen has larger secant stiffness than that of the monolithic companion, owing to the shorter shear length of the precast specimen caused by moving up of the actual plastic hinge region. The precast and monolithic bridge columns have good energy dissipation capacity, and the maximum damping ratios reach up to 19.8% and 22.6% at 5% drift ratio, respectively. The precast specimen has 18.8% less residual drift ratio at 5% drift ratio than the monolithic companion.