Cyclic Load Tests on Self-Centering Concrete Pier with External Dissipators and Enhanced Durability

A precast segmental pier using posttensioning technique has become a desirable candidate to realize rapid, environment-friendly bridge construction and minimal residual deformation. To avoid structural corrosion and to facilitate the replacement of energy dissipators (EDs), a self-centering precast concrete (SCPC) pier with external EDs and enhanced durability is proposed and experimentally evaluated. In this study, the self-centering capacity is provided through posttensioned basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) tendons, and the bottom of the pier is encased in a glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) jacket so as to mitigate concrete spalling or crushing as the pier rocks. Aluminum bars with modified material properties are used as external EDs, in which the weakened part is filled in a confining tube with epoxy. Fifteen cyclic load tests with the maximum drift of 4% were conducted on three SCPC piers and one monolithic pier, and the influence of various design parameters on the pier behavior is discussed. (C) 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.