Parametric study on seismic performance of prefabricated bridge piers connected by ultra-high performance concrete grout

In this study, a novel prefabricated pier connected by ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) connection is introduced based on an actual project, and several seismic preformance related parametric analyses were conducted based on the validated numerical models. The objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of several critical parameters on the seismic performance of the novel prefabricated piers. The validity of the numerical modeling method has been verified based on a cyclic loading test of a relevant large-scale novel prefabricated pier. Meanwhile, several seismic design-related parameters are selected, e.g., shear-span ratio, mechanical properties of UHPC, embedded length of reinforcement bars, etc., to evaluate the seismic performance of UHPC grout connected prefabricated piers. In order to ensure that the novel prefabricated pier exhibits acceptable seismic performance, the shear-span ratio of the prefabricated bridge piers should be higher than 2.5, the axial compression ratio should be lower than 0.35, the recommended minimum embedded length is 8 times bar diameter and UB or UA UHPC with strain hardening properties should be selected as grouting material. Meanwhile, the reasonable longitudinal reinforcement ratio should be carefully considered according to engineering requirements and seismic design details.