Seismic Performance of Precast Column-Footing Socket Connections: Development and Multi-scale Validation of a Numerical Model

The use of precast concrete elements and systems is becoming increasingly popular in bridge construction for their role in facilitating Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC). Socket connections, a form of connection that emulates cast-in-place construction (CIP), are garnering interest for their rapid assembly, high installation tolerance, and construction ease. Research has shown that socket connections are viable for seismic applications, offering similar seismic performance to CIP counterparts. Despite this, their use in seismically active areas is limited due to the absence of an effective numerical model to simulate their seismic behavior. To address this challenge, the objective of this study is to create a nonlinear finite-element model (FEM) that simulates the behavior of socket connections between spread footings and precast columns under both gravity and seismic loads. In this respect, a new modeling technique is adopted to simulate the sliding mechanism of socket connection using equivalent beam elements. Connection-level test result is used to validate the accuracy of the FEM. The validated model is utilized to investigate the effect of different modeling techniques on the seismic behavior and local damage of socket connection in the component-level specimen.