Hybrid Testing of Concrete Bridge Piers with Different Detailing at Column–Foundation Interface

Abstract

In failures of bridges, damages in piers are mostly localized in the vicinity of pier–foundation interface region. It is preferred to shift the damage from the interface zone to make rehabilitation relatively easier. One possible approach is to incorporate some additional features at interface to shift the likely damage zone. The paper is an experimental investigation to evaluate the role of additional detailing introduced at the interface. Two strategies were tried through incorporation of dowel bar at the interface region and use of corrugated sheet pipe in the foundation below the pier–foundation interface. The performances of these two specimens were compared with a pier having conventional detailing. An advanced seismic testing technique, known as hybrid simulation, was used for the present study to test the performance of the specimens when subjected to earthquake excitation. The specimen with dowel bar was found to be better for all the parameters concerning seismic performance.