Evaluation of structural performance of precast modular pier cap

Abstract

Recently, modular technologies are making bridge construction safer and less disruptive to the environment and traveling public. For the design of modular substructures, connection details are the most important design issues. In this paper, a modular pier cap for concrete filled steel tube (CFT) bridge piers was suggested to improve productivity of design and construction of bridge substructures. The module consists of a composite table with an embedded steel member to mitigate stress concentration of the connection. Precast segments on the table can accommodate various conditions of bridge width. Test specimens were fabricated and structural performance was evaluated. According to failure modes of the pier cap, sectional strength, vertical and horizontal shear strength, and crack control by transverse prestressing were investigated from the test results. Structural performance of the proposed modular system was evaluated by two loading conditions. Standardized modular substructures can be effectively utilized for the fast replacement or new construction of bridges.