Experimental Evaluation of Bridge Monolithic Joints Under Simulated Seismic Loading

Abstract eng:
To evaluate the adequacy of the EN1998-2 design procedures for bridge monolithic connections between single pier column and superstructure, an experimental program on bridge joints under seismic loading was carried out. A total of six specimens were constructed, four of them representing connections in the direction transverse to the bridge axis and the remaining two representing connections along the bridge axis, at a scale of 18%. Specimens were tested under simulated seismic loading and combined gravity loads. Experimental recorded data of displacements, applied forces, strains, digital surface mapping and propagation of crack formation are used to characterize the strength and deformation capacity of the specimens. The results show that openings traditionally used as a passage for inspection of the box-shaped girders framing into the joints can compromise the connection performance and should be avoided. Column reinforcement comprising smaller diameter reinforcing bars anchored with a hook led to improved connection performance. Placement of the required joint reinforcement in the adjacent beams didn’t affect the capacity of the joint whereas it helped avoiding the congestion problem caused by placing the required amount of vertical hoops inside the joint body.

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