Development of a New Analytical Model for Hysteretic Behavior of Precast Segmental Self‐Centering Pier Columns

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper presents a comprehensive analytical model for predicting the hysteretic behavior of precast segmental self‐centering (PSC) pier columns with different energy dissipation (ED) device arrangements. Three typical PSC pier configurations are considered: no energy dissipation (NED) piers, total energy dissipation (TED) piers, and bottom energy dissipation (BED) piers. The proposed model specifically addresses the changes in column deformation patterns induced by various ED device distributions, by comprehensively considering the opening of both bottom joints (Joint 1 and Joint 2). A three‐stage force‐displacement relationship is derived for each pier type, and a parametric study of 192 finite element models is conducted to calibrate the key parameters required in the analytical framework. Regression formulas are established for the maximum concrete strain ( R 2 = 0.75–0.78), the Joint 2 opening angle ( R 2 = 0.90–0.92), and a critical energy dissipation coefficient β L ranging from 0.175 to 0.8 ( R 2 = 0.98), which governs the shift of the primary opening from Joint 1 to Joint 2 in BED piers. Validated against experimental and finite element results, the model achieves prediction errors of 0.36%–4.7% for peak strength and 0.79%–8.7% for initial stiffness, with predicted joint openings in close agreement with measurements, confirming its practical value for the seismic design of PSC piers.