OTREC-RR-12-05

Many bridges along the Gulf Coast were damaged by recent hurricanes, and many more are susceptible to similar damage. This research examines the structural performance of common connections used to anchor prestressed concrete girders to the substructure. Full-scale specimens were fabricated and tested under static and dynamic cyclic load histories. Dynamic load histories were developed from previously conducted hydraulic tests of a 1/5 scale model of a highway bridge under hurricane wave loads. Load effects considered included the pseudo-statically applied vertical uplift force, horizontal force, combined horizontal and vertical forces, and dynamically applied combined horizontal and vertical forces. Structural performance of the details under these loading conditions is examined. This allows improved understanding of connection performance, enables better design for new bridge construction and for rehabilitating existing bridges to resist hurricane loads.