The modern-day structures are capable of surviving significant shaking caused by earthquakes. By implementing unbounded pre-stressed concrete in bridge columns, earthquake damages can be significantly lower than that of a standard reinforced concrete bridge column, by reducing the amount of residual displacement. Reducing the amount of damage will allow for speedy repairs on the bridge and minimal closure time. The principle behind pre-stressed concrete is that compressive stresses induced by high-strength steel tendons in a concrete member before loads are applied will balance the tensile stresses imposed in the member during service.
