Experimental study on prefabricated rectangular RC socket bridge piers against vehicle collision

This study investigates the effect of socket joint construction on the crash performance of prefabricated rectangular reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers subjected to vehicle collision. Key parameters, including pier column embedment depth, socket gap, and interface roughness, were examined. Six scaled model piers (five socket‐connected and one cast‐in‐place) with identical dimensions and materials were subjected to simulated vehicle impact tests. The collision force, acceleration response, strain evolution, and failure modes were recorded. The results show that vehicle speed is a dominant factor governing the dynamic response of socket bridge piers. The maximum collision force is significantly influenced by the column embedment depth, although no consistent quantitative relationship was identified. Interface roughness has a greater effect at higher vehicle speeds. Damage severity increases with vehicle speed, typically presenting as localized crushing at the impact area and structural damage near the pier base. Shallow embedment depths and narrow socket gaps contribute to more severe damage patterns. Acceleration response rises with vehicle speed but shows no clear correlation with embedment depth. Residual reinforcement strain is more pronounced in piers with shallow embedment or narrow socket gaps. These findings offer critical reference data for understanding the collision response of socket bridge piers and support the design of crash‐resistant prefabricated bridge structures.