Seismic Performance Study of Prefabricated Segmental Assembled Hybrid Connected Double‐Column Bridge Piers

As a rapid construction method, the technology of prefabricated assembled bridge piers has become an important direction in the development of modern bridge engineering. To promote the application of prefabricated segmental assembled bridge piers in high seismic intensity areas, a hybrid connection method for prefabricated segmental assembly is proposed. This connection method involves using a socket connection between the bottom segment of the pier shaft and the cap, employing ultra‐high performance concrete (UHPC) as the grouting material, and connecting each segment of the pier shaft, cap, and cap beam into an integrated unit using prestressed tendons. To investigate the feasibility of this connection method, prefabricated segmental assembled hybrid connected double‐column bridge pier specimen SQ‐1 and cast‐in‐place double‐column bridge pier specimen SQ‐2 were designed and fabricated. Quasistatic tests were conducted to compare the damage phenomena, hysteresis and skeleton curves, residual displacement, and energy dissipation (ED) capacity of the two specimens. The research results indicate that the concrete damage degree of the prefabricated segmental assembled hybrid connected double‐column bridge piers is lower than that of the cast‐in‐place double‐column bridge piers. The hybrid connection design effectively mitigates the propagation of concrete damage. Although the ED capacity of the prefabricated segmental assembled hybrid connected double‐column bridge piers is not as good as that of the cast‐in‐place double‐column bridge piers, they perform better in terms of deformation capacity and residual displacement. They also exhibit good self‐centering characteristics, which is beneficial for postearthquake repair and maintenance.