Seismic Performance of Low‐Damage Prefabricated Segmental Post‐Tensioned Bridge Columns With Hybrid Connections

The use of prefabricated concrete segmental post‐tensioned bridge columns (PSPC) has significantly increased in low‐seismic regions. These bridge columns are characterized by their remarkable self‐centering capability and relatively low hysteretic energy dissipation capacity. Enhancing the energy‐dissipation capacity of these columns is critical to extending their deployment in regions with moderate to severe seismic hazard. In pursuit of this objective, five reduced‐scale PSPCs with an innovative hybrid connection at the column‐footing interface were designed and tested under lateral cyclic loading. Conventional concrete was employed in a reference model and in all segments of the other models except the base segment. The base segment of two models was constructed using ultra‐high‐performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), while the other two models incorporated ultra‐high‐performance concrete (UHPC). The PSPC models featuring the proposed connections and advanced materials showed promising results that are adequate for use in regions of moderate to high seismicity. The PSPC models demonstrated excellent ductility, high energy dissipation capacity, favorable self‐centering behavior, and low residual drift. No visible cracks or spalling were observed in UHPFRC specimens, and no yielding or fracture was observed in all post‐tensioned tendons.