Precast Concrete End Diaphragm System for Accelerated Bridge Construction in Seismic-Prone Regions: Constructability and Lateral Testing

To reduce the impacts of on-site construction work on bridges, accelerated bridge construction (ABC) has been gaining popularity. However, it imposes additional challenges on projects in earthquake-prone areas because care must be taken in the connections between precast elements. This study presents the use of prefabricated concrete end diaphragms for ease and rapidity of construction, incorporating, simultaneously, detailing for use in moderate-to-high seismic regions to achieve safe behavior and assist the structure under earthquake demands in the transverse direction. The proposed system is connected by reinforcing bars and ultra-high performance concrete placed in ducts passing through the girders and diaphragms. In the context of ABC, careful documentation during the construction of a half-scale test specimen confirmed the constructability of the system and highlighted practical considerations for its use in the field. The experimental specimen was tested under laboratory conditions to evaluate its lateral load behavior, obtaining the expected performance.