Parametric Sensitivity Analysis on Full-Scale Precast Bridge Piers with Grouted Splice Sleeve Connectors under Sequential Vehicle Impact and Seismic Loads

Abstract

With the popularization of accelerated bridge construction, the utilization of grouted splice sleeve (GSS) connections has been researched to determine their seismic performance. However, to date, no research has yet conducted a systematic parametric sensitivity analysis of precast concrete (PC) bridge piers with GSS connectors subjected to vehicle impacts or under sequential impact-seismic loading. This study provides the first comprehensive investigation of both the impact performance and the residual seismic capacity of impacted GSS-connected piers, identifying the most influential design parameters that increase their resilience against these hazard load types. Three pier configurations, including cast-in-place, GSS-C (couplers located in the column), and GSS-F (couplers located in the footing) are modeled in LS-DYNA (version R14.1.0) and validated through both impact and seismic simulations. Key design parameters such as vehicle velocity, axial load ratio, concrete strength, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and splice sleeve grout strength are systematically varied. After each impact event, maximum lateral displacement and residual axial capacity are evaluated. Pushover analyses are then performed on the damaged piers to determine residual lateral capacity and displacement ductility. The study finds that, compared with GSS-F, the GSS-C configuration exhibits reduced impact resistance and postimpact seismic performance, indicating limited suitability for regions with high impact risk. For both impact and residual seismic assessments, concrete strength and longitudinal reinforcement ratio are the two most influential parameters. This research offers novel insights into design optimization and resilience enhancement for PC bridge piers with GSS connections subjected to extreme loading scenarios, providing essential guidance for evaluating structural safety under sequential loading and ensuring that impacted PC piers maintain adequate residual seismic resilience.