Numerical Analysis on Seismic Performance of Hybrid Precast Segmental Bridge Columns

Precast Segmental Bridge Columns (PSBCs) are always used for their fast construction and low intrusion into environment and urban life. Their inadequate seismic capacity, however, become the major concern for further development in earthquake regions. In search of balanced solution, an innovative Hybrid PSBC consisted of the hysteretic behaviour of monolithic columns and conventional PSBCs, was proposed in this study. 3-D FE models of monolithic reference column and PSBC with unbonded post-tensioning were verified against experimental data. Pushover analysis for proposed Hybrid PSBC was then carried out. Results showed that for a predefined drift level of 3 %, the Hybrid models exhibited superior seismic performance against reference columns, in terms of lateral strength, initial stiffness and ductility; the proposed Hybrid models could effectively mitigate damage to segment joints; and the monolithic length in Hybrid models was proved to be a critical design parameter.