Study on the Seismic Performance of Prefabricated Single-Segment Steel Jacket Bridge Piers

Abstract

To study the seismic performance of prefabricated single-segment steel jacket piers connected by grouting sleeves, two scaled symmetrical pier models with different anchorage lengths of the longitudinal reinforcement in the grouting sleeves and a comparative symmetrical cast-in-place (CIP) model were designed. OpenSees finite element models were established and shaking table tests were carried out on the three scaled pier models. The seismic response of each pier was compared and analyzed. Results showed the stiffness of the two prefabricated piers was greater than that of the CIP pier, and other seismic responses were less than those of the CIP piers, The dynamic responses of the two prefabricated bridge models were similar and changing the anchorage length of the reinforcement in the grouting sleeve had little effect on the seismic performance of the prefabricated pier. The simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental results. In the parameter analysis, the counterweight of the pier top had the greatest influence on the seismic performance of the prefabricated pier. The anchorage length of the longitudinal reinforcement in the grouting sleeve could be 6–14 times the diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement. Moreover, the seismic performance was found to be optimal when the thickness of the steel jacket was 5–7 mm.