NCHRP Research Report 935 presents proposed AASHTO seismic specifications related to the design and construction of column connections for accelerated bridge construction (ABC) with detailed design examples illustrating the application of the proposed specifications. The proposed specifications are based on comprehensive analytical and testing programs for investigating the performance of different ABC column connections including mechanical bar couplers, grouted ducts, pocket, and socket connection in moderate and high seismic regions. This report will be of immediate interest to bridge engineers.
During the NCHRP Domestic Scan 11-02—Best Practices Regarding Performance of ABC Connections in Bridges Subjected to Multihazard and Extreme Events, it was noted that ABC techniques have been limited in moderate and high seismic regions. The AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design currently prohibit or limit connections that splice longitudinal column reinforcement in plastic hinge regions. To address this limitation, there was a need to identify column connections that are capable of performing well in seismic regions.
Research was performed under NCHRP Project 12-105: Proposed AASHTO Seismic Specifications for ABC Column Connections by the University of Nevada, Reno to develop proposed AASHTO displacement-based design and construction specifications for implementation of ABC column connections in moderate and high seismic regions. The specifications included mechanical bar couplers, grouted ducts, pocket, and socket connections.
A number of deliverables, provided as appendices, are not included in the published report itself but are available to download here. These appendices are titled as follows:
