Analysis of Precast Segmental Concrete Columns With Unbonded Post-Tensioned Tendons Under Cyclic Loading

Abstract eng:
Prefabrication of buildings and bridges are becoming more and more popular in construction industry. Precast segmental column has been proposed to accelerate construction speed. In the precast segmental column system, segments are precast and then clamped together by bonded or unbonded tendons. For application of precast segmental columns in prefabricated structures in seismic regions, many experimental studies on the performance of precast segmental columns under cyclic loadings have been reported. Owing to the complexity in modelling such structures under dynamic loading, numerical study of precast segmental columns subjected to dynamic loads is limited. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model for precast segmental column with unbonded tendon at the center of the column is built to predict the responses of such columns under seismic loadings. The model is first validated against the cyclic test results and then used to perform parametric studies to investigate the influence of two parameters on the performances of the precast segmental column. The first parameter is the energy dissipation (ED) bar ratio and the second one is the prestressing force. Numerical simulations of segmental columns with different ED bar ratios and prestressing forces subjected to cyclic loadings are carried out. It is found that by increasing the ED bar ratio, the energy dissipation of the system increases significantly. However, the residual drift also increases with the ED bar ratio. Prestressing force is also important for segmental columns. The ultimate strength of the column could be increased by increasing the prestressing force, but increasing the prestressing force in the tendon also increases initial stress in the concrete which causes more damage to the concrete segments. The validated numerical model in this study can be also used in future studies to predict seismic responses of segmental columns.

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