Quasi-Static Cyclic Tests of Precast Two-Column Bent Connected with Both Grouted Splice Sleeves and Grouted Central Tenon

Owing to the advantages of accelerated construction, reduced traffic disturbance, and enhanced quality control, precast segmental two-column bents are extensively utilized in urban and highway bridges, particularly in areas of low-to-medium seismicity. However, the application of this technique in high-seismicity regions is limited owing to insufficient knowledge about the seismic performance of such precast bents. To address this, the present study investigates the seismic performance of precast segmental two-column bents, focusing on the connection of “grouted splice sleeves and grouted central tenon”, namely the proposed GSS-GCT connection. For this purpose, three large-scale two-column bent specimens were fabricated and subjected to quasi-static cyclic tests: one cast-in-place bent, one precast two-column bent with conventional grouted splice sleeves, and another with the GSS-GCT connection. The benefits of the GSS-GCT connection under high seismic activities were demonstrated regarding lateral load-carrying capacity, displacement ductility, energy dissipation capacity, and residual displacement. Moreover, five levels of damage states were qualitatively and quantitatively divided based on experimental observation, which can be evaluated with lateral displacements. Furthermore, seismic assessments of the two-column bents were obtained using the capacity spectrum method. The proposed GSS-GCT connection could significantly improve the seismic performance of precast segmental two-column bents under high-level earthquakes.