RAPID CONSTRUCTION DETAILS FOR BRIDGES IN SEISMIC ZONES.

Rapid construction of bridges is desirable to counteract the costs caused by traffic congestion, exposure of workers to risk of accidents, and environmental damage. Use of precast concrete components offers an opportunity to reduce the duration of site operations, but poses potential problems when used in seismic regions because of the difficulty in designing connections that can accommodate the forces and inelastic deformations induced by earthquake ground motions. This paper presents options for selecting precast concrete bridge bent systems and associated connections that are suitable for use in seismic regions. Some use technology that is already proven and may be implemented now, while others are based on rational principles but may require proof testing prior to construction. The paper outlines the testing program that is being undertaken for one of those systems