Nonlinear seismic fragility analysis of a resilient precast post-tensioned segmental bridge pier

ABSTRACT The use of precast post-tensioned segmental (PPS) piers is growing in the bridge industry, particularly in Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC). To increase their use in high-seismicity regions, this study focuses on the seismic performance of the PPS piers under pulse-like near-field earthquakes. Two ensembles of 40 pulse-like near-field ground motions and 44 far-field ground motions along with three bridge piers of various heights are used in a series of incremental dynamic analyses. The piers are analysed under the original pulse-like near-field ground motions, their extracted pulse ground motions, and their corresponding non-pulse ground motions. It is found that the effect of the pulse ground motion is pronounced, when the pulse period is in proximity to the natural period of the pier. It is also seen that pulse-like near-field and far-field ground motions generally have similar effects on the response of PPS piers.