In this quarterly Research Seminar, Mohamed Moustafa, Ph.D., P.E., Principal Investigator, presents work under the ABC-UTC research project entitled Application of Methacrylate Polymers for Seismic ABC Connections conducted at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Documents:
Application of Polymer Concrete for Seismic ABC Connections - pdf of presentation
Q&A Session - pdf (to be posted soon!)

Description: ABC has been used in only a few substructure applications such as column-base connections, especially in seismic regions. Nonetheless, several ABC seismic connections have been developed and continue to emerge, such as UHPC filled-duct connections. The use of expensive proprietary UHPC poses a challenge for wider implementation of this connection type. Thus, the overall research goal was to validate other alternative grouting material, i.e., polymer concrete. This presentation provides first an overview of the mechanical properties of the polymer concrete material used in this study. Next, a large-scale demonstration was conducted using an almost half-scale column model with polymer concrete filled duct column-to-footing connection. The column model was tested through failure under combined axial and cyclic lateral loading to investigate its seismic performance and evaluate its ability to emulate the seismic performance of the CIP system. Overall, the polymer concrete-filled duct connection successfully demonstrated acceptable seismic performance and, in turn, is recommended as suitable precast column-to-footing or column-to-cap beam connections for moderate and high seismic regions.

Presenters:

Presentation Graphics:

Figure 1. Mixing of polymer concrete to be used for column-to-footing seismic connection

Figure 2. Casting of polymer concrete into the ducts and overview of full bridge column test specimen

Figure 3. Final damage state at plastic hinge region after 12% drift cycle