Experimental Investigation of Titanium Alloy Bars (TiABs) for Seismic Resilient and Durable Concrete Bridge Piers

The research introduces Titanium Alloy Bars (TiABs) for flexural and transverse
reinforcing in new bridge piers located in seismic zones. TiABs offer higher strength, good
ductility, excellent durability, and enhanced fatigue-resistance compared to traditional reinforcing
bars. The research focuses on the applications of TiABs in construction of new bridges located in
seismic and corrosive environment. A bridge pier system was introduced that incorporated both
seismic resiliency and durability in a single package. Application of TiABs in bridge piers
increases service life, reduces rebar congestion, yields to lower overstrength factor, and limits
residual displacement following an earthquake. An approximately 1/3rd scale bridge pier reinforced
with TiABs rebars and spirals is tested under quasi-static cyclic loading protocol to investigate
seismic performance. Results are compared against a benchmark specimen reinforced with normal
steel rebars and spirals. The thesis also introducesthe available options for splicing of TiABs using
mechanical systemsto optimize construction costs.