Project Title
Repairable Precast Bridge Bents for Extreme Events
Researcher(s)
Mostafa Tazarv, PI, South Dakota State University
Project Description
For conventional RC bridges, the columns are usually the main source of ductility during an earthquake. Minor damages can be repaired but excessive damages such as core crushing, bar buckling, and/or bar fracture are hard to repair. Even though current practice is successful in attaining the no-collapse objective, a new design paradigm is needed to minimize bridge damage incorporating low- to no-damage techniques. The benefit can be enhanced if those low-damage technologies are combined with precast techniques to accelerate bridge construction. The main goal of the proposed pilot and feasibility work is to develop new details for precast bridge columns, which significantly accelerate bent construction and minimize the post-earthquake column damage to a few hairline cracks. The only component that is allowed to damage is detachable exposed reinforcement in the column plastic hinges. The exposed bars can be quickly replaced with new ones after extreme events, if needed.
