Probabilistic seismic vulnerability and loss assessment of a seismic resistance bridge system with post-tensioning precast segmental ultra-high performance concrete bridge columns

Abstract Precast segmental ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) columns with post-tensioned (PT) tendons can effectively protect the compression toe from damage and enhance energy dissipation (ED) capacity of column compared to conventional segmental concrete columns. Extensive experiments and numerical studies have been carried out to explore the cyclic response of segmental UHPC columns in the existing literature; however, the effect of such novel columns on the seismic safety of bridge structures has not been thoroughly understood. This study aims to numerically assess the seismic fragility and seismic life-cycle loss of bridge structures supported by the precast segmental UHPC columns. For comparison, the seismic performance of the same bridge with monolithic reinforced concrete (RC) piers are also evaluated. Here, three-dimensional (3D) numerical models are generated to simulate these two bridge types. A performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) framework is used to evaluate and compare their seismic performance. The segmental UHPC column model is validated with the previous experimental studies. The validated model is combined into the whole bridge. Numerical results showed that the precast segmental UHPC bridge experiences similar peak acceleration and larger peak displacement in comparison to the monolithic RC bridge. The segmental UHPC bridge pier experiencing lower residual deformation can effectively reduce the damage probability and life-cycle loss of a bridge compared to the conventional monolithic RC pier. Under the design event (2475-year return period) and maximum considered event (5000-year return period), the expected losses of the segmental bridge in the lifetime were approximate 92% and 84% of that of the monolithic bridge, respectively. The segmental UHPC bridge has a noticeable economic benefit when such a bridge is constructed in regions of high seismicity.