Seismic evaluation of grouted splice sleeve connections for reinforced precast concrete column-to-cap beam joints in accelerated bridge construction

摘要

Connections between precast concrete elements must be able to withstand significant stresses and deformations in earthquakes. The grouted splice sleeve connector is being considered for use in accelerated bridge construction. Although grouted splice sleeve connectors facilitate the construction of precast concrete bridges and accelerate construction, seismic bridge design codes prohibit their use in column plastic hinges. Half-scale bridge column-to-cap beam assemblies were tested to investigate their response under cyclic quasi-static load. The grouted splice sleeve connectors were located in the column plastic hinge zone for the first alternative and in the cap beam for the second. A monolithic cast-in-place concrete specimen with identical details served as a control. Satisfactory drift capacity and displacement ductility were achieved when the grouted splice sleeve connectors were inside the cap beam joint. The research shows that precast concrete joints constructed with the specific type of grouted splice sleeve connectors in the cap beam should perform adequately in moderate to high seismic regions.