Hollow precast segmental prestressed concrete bridge columns with a shear resistant connecting element

The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of hollow precast segmental prestressed concrete (PSC) bridge columns with a shear resistant connecting element. A model of hollow precast segmental PSC bridge columns was tested under a constant axial load and a cyclically reversed horizontal load. The computer program, RCAHEST (Reinforced Concrete Analysis in Higher Evaluation System Technology) was used. Non-dimensional P-M interaction diagrams were developed to predict the design resistance of precast segmental PSC bridge columns. Among the numerous parameters, this study concentrates on concrete compressive strength, prestressing reinforcement ratio, effective prestress, diameter of circle passing through tendon centerlines-to-outside diameter of section ratio (D-s/D-o) and inside diameter of section-to-outside diameter of section ratio (D-i/D-o). This study documents the testing of hollow precast segmental PSC bridge columns under cyclic loading and presents conclusions and design recommendations based on the experimental and analytical findings.