Behaviour of a column-bent cap connection for a precast DSCT column

Abstract

Considerable progress has been made in bridge construction technology with regard to reducing construction times and incorporating green technologies. In the past, the time required to fabricate a tubular pier represented approximately 50% of the total construction time needed to build an entire bridge, and many researchers have therefore shown interest in studying the construction methodology of precast piers. In this work, a column-bent cap joint for a prefabricated double-skinned composite tubular pier was developed and its application was verified through testing. Test methods, including a cyclic eccentric loading test and a static compressive loading test, were developed to evaluate the performance characteristics of the column-bent cap connection. The major parameters were analysed and a standard model for the column-bent cap connection was developed through cyclic and static testing of structural elements.