NCHRP Report 681 develops and validates precast concrete bent cap systems for use throughout the nation’s seismic regions. The report also includes a series of recommended updates to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, Guide Specification for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design, and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications that will provide safe and reliable seismic resistance in a cost-effective, durable and constructible manner. The material in this report will be of immediate interest to bridge engineers.

The research was performed under NCHRP Project 12-74 by the University of California, San Diego with main assistance of the California State University, Sacramento, Tobolski Watkins Engineering, Inc., and Ralls Newman LLC. The research presented herein develops and validates design methodologies, recommends design and construction specifications, and provides design examples and example connection details for precast bent cap systems using emulative and hybrid connections for integral and nonintegral systems for all seismic regions throughout the United States.