Author(s)

C. Shim, S. Park, S. Lee, C. Koem

Abstract

Prestressed precast concrete columns are recently considered as excellent design options due to their self-centering capability for seismic actions. Axial prestressing is designed to control cracking at the precast joints by service loads. In this paper, a combination of continuous reinforcing bars and prestressing tendons was suggested to enhance seismic performance as well as economy of precast piers. Cyclic tests were conducted to verify the suggested concept. By preventing buckling and fracture of the reinforcing bars in the plastic hinge region, the test specimens showed remarkable ductility without reduction of their flexural strength. Appropriate magnitude of initial prestressing force was also proposed to prevent fracture of tendons by large lateral deformation of columns in strong earthquakes.

Keywords

precast concrete column, axial steel, cyclic test, ductility, prestressing force