Shear Behavior of Low-Aspect-Ratio Precast Bridge Columns with Grouted Sleeve Connection Considering the Effect of Axial Load Ratios

To promote accelerated bridge construction (ABC), precast bridge columns are now being more widely used in engineering applications. Researchers have often studied the seismic performance of precast bridge columns, but the study of shear performance is quite limited. The main purpose of this study is to investigate shear behavior of low-aspect-ratio precast columns with grouted sleeve connections considering the effect of axial load ratios. Cyclic quasistatic tests of four 1/4-scaled reinforced concrete precast column specimens were conducted to investigate their seismic performance. The experimental results showed that large axial load reduced ductility factor of columns, but increased lateral force capacity. A predicting method for lateral force capacity of precast bridge columns based on a strut-and-tie model in the sleeve region was developed. The method can realistically predict the lateral force capacity and take into the influence of axial load on lateral force capacity of precast columns with grouted sleeve connection.