In this paper, a design concept of post-tensioned precast bridge piers was proposed to improve seismic behavior of the bridge pier. Mild reinforcing bars are placed continuously along the height of the column. Prestressing tendons are also provided to obtain re-centering capability for seismic events. Arrangement of the axial steels to prevent buckling of rebars at plastic hinge region was suggested and enhanced seismic performance was verified by experiments. Moment-curvature analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of effective prestress on seismic behavior after verifying the calculation method by cyclic tests of the precast columns. A real bridge pier was designed to investigate the seismic performance according to different level of effective prestress. Level of effective prestress showed obvious effect on crushing displacement but negligible effect on lateral displacement at fracture of tendons and reinforcements.

The objective of this project is to develop FEM or Frame models which can be used to compute the dynamic behavior of PC girder bridge associated with the change of tension force in tendons, to overcome the limitation of general structure analysis program.