Analytical investigation of bidirectional ductile diaphragms in multi-span bridges

In the AASHTO Guide Specifications for Seismic Bridge Design Provisions,ductile diaphragms are identified as Permissible Earthquake-Resisting Elements(EREs),designed to help resist seismic loads applied in the transverse direction of bridges.When adding longitudinal ductile diaphragms,a bidirectional ductile diaphragm system is created that can address seismic excitations acting along both the bridge’s longitudinal and transverse axes.This paper investigates bidirectional ductile diaphragms with Buckling Restrained Braces(BRBs)in straight multi-span bridge with simply supported floating spans.The flexibility of the substructures in the transverse and longitudinal direction of the bridge is considered.Design procedures for the bidirectional ductile diaphragms are first proposed.An analytical model of the example bridge with bidirectional ductile diaphragms,designed based on the proposed methodology,is then built in SAP2000.Pushover and nonlinear time history analyses are performed on the bridge model,and corresponding results are presented.The effect of changing the longitudinal stiffness of the bidirectional ductile diaphragms in the end spans connecting to the abutment is also investigated,in order to better understand the impact on the bridge’s dynamic performance.     

Performance of seismic‐isolated bridges with and without elastic‐gap devices in near‐fault zones

In this paper, the efficiency of providing elastic‐gap devices (EGDs) to improve the performance of seismic‐isolated bridges (SIBs) in near‐fault (NF) zones is investigated. The device is primarily made of an assembly of circular rubber bearings and steel plates to provide additional elastic stiffness to the SIB upon closure of a gap. The EDG is intended to function at two performance levels under service and maximum considered design level (MCDL) NF earthquakes to reduce isolator displacements while keeping the substructure forces at reasonable levels. A parametric study, involving more than 500 nonlinear time history analyses of realistic and simplified structural models of typical SIBs, is conducted using simulated and actual NF ground motions to investigate the applicability of the proposed solution. It is found that providing EGD is beneficial for reducing the isolator displacements to manageable ranges for SIBs subjected to MCDL NF ground motions regardless of the distance from the fault and characteristics of the isolator. It is also found that providing EGD resulted in an improved performance of the isolators in terms of the reduction of heat generated by the isolators. Further analyses conducted using a realistic structural model of an existing bridge and five NF earthquakes confirmed that EGD may be used to reduce the displacement of the isolators while keeping the substructure base shear forces at reasonable ranges for SIBs located in NF zones. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of structural characterizations on fragility functions of bridges subject to seismic shaking and lateral spreading

This paper evaluates the seismic vulnerability of different classes of typical bridges in California when subjected to seismic shaking or liquefaction-induced lateral spreading. The detailed structural configurations in terms of superstructure type, connection, continuity at support and foundation type, etc. render different damage resistant capability. Six classes of bridges are established based on their anticipated failure mechanisms under earthquake shaking. The numerical models that are capable of simulating the complex soil-structure interaction effects, nonlinear behavior of columns and connections are developed for each bridge class. The dynamic responses are obtained using nonlinear time history analyses for a suite of 250 earthquake motions with increasing intensity. An equivalent static analysis procedure is also implemented to evaluate the vulnerability of the bridges when subjected to liquefaction-induced lateral spreading. Fragility functions for each bridge class are derived and compared for both seismic shaking （based on nonlinear dynamic analyses） and lateral spreading （based on equivalent static analyses） for different performance states. The study finds that the fragility functions due to either ground shaking or lateral spreading show significant correlation with the structural characterizations, but differences emerge for ground shaking and lateral spreading conditions. Structural properties that will mostly affect the bridges＇ damage resistant capacity are also identified.     

Change in response of bridges isolated with LRBs due to lead core heating

This study focuses on the response of seismic isolated bridges subjected to near-field ground motions with distinct pulse type behavior in terms of maximum isolator displacements (MIDs) and maximum isolator forces (MIFs) transferred to the substructure. The employed isolation systems are composed of lead rubber bearings (LRBs) with bi-linear force-deformation relations that consider cycle-to-cycle deterioration in the yield strength of the LRBs due to heating of the lead core. MIDs and MIFs with due consideration of cycle-to-cycle deterioration are compared with that of non-deteriorating ones. Bounding analyses are also performed for comparison purposes. Nonlinear response history analyses are conducted with two bins of ground motions recorded at different soil conditions to investigate the effect of ground motion characteristics. Results indicate that MIDs are overestimated by lower bound analyses when seismic isolated bridges are subjected to near-field motions with high velocity pulses especially for the bearings with higher Q/W ratios.     

Seismic performance evaluation of steel arch bridges against major earthquakes. Part 1: dynamic analysis approach

In this study the inelastic behavior of steel arch bridges subjected to strong ground motions from major earthquakes is investigated by dynamic analyses of a typical steel arch bridge using a three‐dimensional (3D) analytical model, since checking seismic performance against severe earthquakes is not usually performed when designing such kinds of bridge. The bridge considered is an upper‐deck steel arch bridge having a reinforced concrete (RC) deck, steel I‐section girders and steel arch ribs. The input ground motions are accelerograms which are modified ground motions based on the records from the 1995 Hyogoken‐Nanbu earthquake. Both the longitudinal and transverse dynamic characteristics of the bridge are studied by investigation of time‐history responses of the main parameters. It is found that seismic responses are small when subjected to the longitudinal excitation, but significantly large under the transverse ground motion due to plasticization formed in some segments such as arch rib ends and side pier bases where axial force levels are very high. Finally, a seismic performance evaluation method based on the response strain index is proposed for such steel bridge structures. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of headed studs in steel fiber reinforced cementitious composite slab of steel beam-column connection

Steel fiber reinforced cementitous composites(SFRCC)is a promising material with high strength in both compression and tension compared with normal concrete.The ductility is also greatly improved because of 6%volume portion of straight steel fibers.A steel beam-column connection with Steel fiber reinforced cementitous composites(SFRCC) slab diaphragms is proposed to overcome the damage caused by the weld.The push-out test results suggested that the application of SFRCC promises larger shear forces transferred through headed studs allocated in a small area in the slab. Finite element models were developed to simulate the behavior of headed studs.The failure mechanism of the grouped arrangement is further discussed based on a series of parametric analysis.In the proposed connection,the SFRCC slab is designed as an exterior diaphragm to transfer the beam flange load to the column face.The headed studs are densely arranged on the beam flange to connect the SFRCC slab diaphragms and steel beams.The seismic performance and failure mechanism of the SFRCC slab diaphragm beam-column connection were investigated based on the cyclic loading test.Beam hinge mechanism was achieved at the end of the SFRCC slab diaphragm by using sufficient studs and appropriate rebars in the SFRCC slab.     

A parametric study of seismic behavior of roller seismic isolation bearings for highway bridges

A roller seismic isolation bearing is proposed for use in highway bridges. The bearing utilizes a rolling mechanism to achieve seismic isolation and has a zero post‐elastic stiffness under horizontal ground motions, a self‐centering capability, and unique friction devices for supplemental energy dissipation. The objectives of this research are to investigate the seismic behavior of the proposed bearing using parametric studies (1) with nonlinear response history analysis and (2) with equivalent linear analysis according to the AASHTO guide specifications, and by comparing the results from both analysis methods (3) to evaluate the accuracy of the AASHTO equivalent linear method for predicting the peak displacement of the proposed bearing during an earthquake. Twenty‐eight ground motions are used in the studies. The parameters examined are the sloping angle of the intermediate plate of the bearing, the amount of friction force for supplemental energy dissipation, and the peak ground acceleration levels of the ground motions. The peak displacement and base shear of the bearing are calculated. Results of the studies show that a larger sloping angle does not reduce the peak displacement for most of the parametric combinations without friction devices. However, for parametric combinations with friction devices, it allows for the use of a higher friction force, which effectively reduces the peak displacement, while keeping a self‐centering capability. The AASHTO equivalent linear method may underestimate the peak displacement by as much as 40%. Vertical ground motions have little effect on the peak displacement, but significantly increase the peak base shear. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamic behavior of perimeter lateral‐system structures with flexible diaphragms

Building structures are typically designed using the assumption that the floor systems serve as a rigid diaphragm between the vertical elements of the lateral load‐resisting system. However, long‐floor span structures with perimeter lateral load‐resisting systems possess diaphragms which behave quite flexibly. The dynamic behaviour of such structures is dissimilar to the behavior expected of typical structures. This difference can lead to unexpected force and drift patterns. If force levels are sufficiently under‐estimated, inelastic diaphragm behaviour can occur, exacerbating the effects of diaphragm flexibility. Such response may lead to a non‐ductile diaphragm failure or structural instability due to high drift demands in the gravity system. Analytical models were developed which capture the diaphragm flexibility of structures with long‐floor spans and perimeter lateral‐systems. Modal examination and time‐history analyses were performed to determine the effect of diaphragm flexibility and diaphragm inelastic behaviour on the dynamic behaviour of these structures. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

RC jacketing parameters to retrofit highway bridges

Highway bridges are essential structures in the transportation system of any country in the world. Many highway bridges are reinforced concrete (RC) bridges that were constructed before the 1980s, prior to current seismic regulation codes. The continuous modification of regulation codes makes it necessary to evaluate structures, and in many cases, existing bridges require interventions to increase their seismic capacity. Among the different techniques used to improve bridge capacity, encasing the columns with RC jackets increases the strength and stiffness of the substructure. RC jacketing increases the column cross sections, improves the seismic capacity and reduces the seismic vulnerability of the bridge substructures. This work presents a parametric study to assess the expected demands of seismically deficient medium length highway bridges retrofitted with RC jacketing aimed at determining the best jacket parameters. A suite of twenty strong ground motions, recorded from a subduction seismic source close to the Pacific Coast in Mexico, was selected to characterize the seismic demand. The bridge superstructures are simply supported with five 30 m long spans for a total length of 150 m. The bridge models have five possible pier heights of 5, 10, 15 20 and 25 m and three different jacket thicknesses and steel ratios. Pushover analyses and capacity spectra of the family of accelerograms allow for the determination of the pier demands by obtaining the performance point as the intersection of the capacity and demand curves. The results allow for the determination of the influence of each parameter on the expected seismic behavior of the bridge models, with the aim of selecting the most suitable jacket characteristics to improve the seismic bridge performance.     

Analysis of bridge structures crossing strike-slip fault rupture zones: A simple method for generating across-fault seismic ground motions

This article presents a simple and effective method for generating across-fault seismic ground motions for the analysis of ordinary and seismically isolated bridges crossing strike-slip faults. Based on pulse models available in the literature, two simple loading functions are first proposed to represent the coherent (long-period) components of ground motion across strike-slip faults. The loading functions are then calibrated using actual near-fault ground-motion records with a forward-directivity velocity pulse in the fault-normal direction and a fling-step displacement in the fault-parallel direction. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing time history responses and seismic demands of ordinary and seismically isolated bridges obtained from nonlinear response history analyses using the actual ground-motion records and the calibrated loading functions. A comprehensive methodology is also presented for selecting the input parameters of the loading functions based on empirical equations and practical guidelines. Finally, an analysis procedure for bridge structures crossing strike-slip faults is introduced based on the proposed method for generating across-fault ground motions and the parameter selection methodology for the loading functions.     

Probabilistic seismic performance assessment of lap-spliced RC columns retrofitted by steel wrapping jackets

In this study, the seismic fragility curves of two reinforced concrete (RC) columns that were lap-spliced at the bottom and retrofitted with steel wrapping jackets were generated. Their seismic performance was probabilistically assessed in comparison to that of lap-spliced or continuous reinforcement RC columns. This study used two types of steel wrapping jackets, a full jacket and a split jacket. Analytical models of the four types of columns were developed based on the experimental results of the columns using OpenSEES, which is effective in conducting nonlinear time history analyses. A suite of ten artificial ground motions, modified from recorded ground motions, was used to perform nonlinear time history analyses of the analytical models with scaling of the peak ground acceleration from 0.1 g to 1.0 g in increments of 0.1 g. The steel wrapping jackets did not increase the medians for yield (slight damage state) of the lap-spiced column and did not exceed the corresponding median of the continuous reinforcement column. However, the two steel jackets increased the medians for failure by 1.872 and 2.017 times, respectively, and exceeded the corresponding median of the continuous reinforcement column by 11.8% and 20.5%, respectively.     

地震作用下曲线梁桥双向碰撞作用影响分析

碰撞作用直接影响到桥梁不同构件的地震响应,是桥梁抗震研究中一直关注的问题。针对地震作用下曲线梁桥因主梁面内转动而发生主梁与切向桥台和径向挡块碰撞的现象,以1座3跨预应力混凝土连续梁桥为例,采用非线性时程分析方法,对曲线连续梁桥的双向碰撞作用影响进行研究,并分析了不同减撞措施的效果。结果表明:考虑双向碰撞作用后,下部结构响应有明显增加,主梁转动现象变得复杂,曲线梁桥地震响应分析中应通过建立精细化模型来考虑主梁双向碰撞作用的影响;在切向桥台处设置限位拉锁装置能起到较好的减轻双向碰撞作用的影响,以及采用减隔震设计后,减撞效果更明显,桥梁抗震性能明显改善,但合理减撞措施设计参数应结合曲线梁桥约束体系及结构设计参数进行体系分析确定。     

近断层地震动下设置BRB的双向减隔震桥梁地震反应

在近断层地震动下桥梁结构将发生较大反应,减隔震设计是减轻地震损伤的重要手段。提出了在桥梁双柱墩横桥向设置防屈曲支撑(BRB),在纵桥向设置铅芯橡胶支座(LRB)的双向减隔震体系。利用Midas Civil软件建立3种不同减隔震方式的桥梁结构模型:LRB仅单向,LRB双向与LRB联合BRB,运用非线性时程分析方法计算了桥墩反应(墩顶侧移角、残余位移角和曲率延性)、LRB支座变形和BRB的耗能特性等。结果表明:在近断层地震动输入下联合设置LRB和BRB的双向减隔震桥梁减震效果明显,相比其它2种方式,能有效降低墩柱的塑性变形及起到保护桥墩的作用。在横桥向,桥墩最大侧移角、残余位移角和最大曲率延性系数都显著降低。     

Evaluation of approximate methods to estimate residual drift demands in steel framed buildings

This paper presents the evaluation of two approximate methods recently proposed in the literature to estimate residual (permanent) drift demands at the end of earthquake excitation for seismic assessment of buildings. Both methods require an estimate of the peak (maximum) interstory drift demand and the corresponding drift demand at significant yielding of the building. Additionally, an approximate method is proposed as part of this study. The introduced method follows a coefficient‐based approach similar to the Coefficient Method included in several US documents. For evaluating the approximate methods, five moment‐resisting steel framed buildings having different number of stories were analyzed under four sets of earthquake ground motions. Quantification of the accuracy of the approximate methods to estimate residual drift demands with respect to results from nonlinear time‐history analyses was performed through error measures computed for each building and each set of earthquake ground motions. Results show that the mean standard error tends to increase as the seismic hazard level increases. Between the two methods, the method introduced by Erochko et al. seems more effective in predicting residual drift demands than that proposed in the FEMA P‐58 recommendations in the USA. It is demonstrated that including additional sources of stiffness and strength in the modeling approach constrains the amplitude of residual drift demands. As a beneficial consequence, the accuracy of both approximate methods in predicting residual drift demands is significantly improved (i.e., mean standard error decreases). The introduced method also provides similar accuracy than the approximate methods available in the literature. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

近断层地震特性对隔震曲线连续梁桥地震响应的影响

为研究近断层地震动对曲线连续梁桥地震响应及碰撞效应的影响,采用非线性时程分析法,分别研究脉冲效应、上盘效应及方向性效应对某三跨曲线连续梁桥支座位移、桥墩内力及邻梁间碰撞力的影响;通过支座隔震率的对比分析,探究不同类型近断层地震动下地震响应产生差异的原因。研究结果表明:脉冲效应、上盘效应和方向性效应均会增大曲线连续梁桥地震响应,脉冲效应的影响尤为显著;脉冲效应和方向性效应削弱了高阻尼橡胶支座的隔震特性,而上盘效应对桥梁响应的影响仅与上盘地震动自身特性有关;综合来看,脉冲效应对曲线梁碰撞响应影响最明显,上盘效应影响不大。     

Shake table testing of a miniature steel building with ductile-anchor,uplifting-column base connections for improved seismic performance

Previous research has demonstrated that uplifting-column or rocking building systems may exhibit improved seismic performance, including reductions in total base shear and decreased residual drift, when compared with systems rigidly connected to the foundation. These beneficial effects may be due to lengthened periods, activation of rocking modes, and energy dissipation of base fuse elements. In the current work, several configurations of a miniature steel building with different combinations of base connection and traditional superstructure fuse strength and stiffness were subjected to identical earthquake motions to evaluate differences in demands and performance. The uplifting base connections incorporate highly ductile concrete anchors with long stretch lengths, allowing robust connection performance and easy replacement of damaged connection elements following the seismic event, an advantage over previously tested systems. Testing and dynamic numerical analysis indicates that ductile anchor uplifting systems may reduce total base shear by over 20%, as well as reducing residual structural drift by more than 80%.     

断层走向对刚构桥地震反应的影响

我国西部部分连续刚构桥临近地震断层建设,在抗震分析时通常会忽略断层走向与桥梁纵桥向夹角对其地震反应的影响。利用Midas Civil软件建立4座墩高不同的大跨度连续刚构桥模型,选取10组近断层强震记录进行时程分析,研究断层走向对刚构桥地震反应(位移和弯矩反应)的影响。结果显示：在水平双向近断层地震动输入下,桥梁主墩及主梁纵桥向地震反应在断层走向与纵桥向夹角为75°～135°范围内最大,而横桥向最大地震反应则发生在夹角为0°～30°或120°～180°范围;在三向近断层地震动输入下,与仅考虑水平双向地震动输入下的桥梁地震反应相比,竖向地震动对主梁竖向弯矩响应的影响较大,特别是主墩和主梁的交界处,增大比例可达2倍及以上。就文章选取的4座桥梁算例,不考虑断层走向和桥梁纵桥向的夹角则存在低估桥梁地震反应的可能,低估误差在15%～40%左右。     

Shake-table tests and numerical simulation of an innovative isolation system for highway bridges

Damage investigation of small to medium-span highway bridges in Wenchuan earthquake revealed that typical damage of these bridges included: sliding between laminated-rubber bearings and bridge girders, concrete shear keys failure, excessive girder displacements and even span collapse. However, the bearing sliding could actually act as a seismic isolation for piers, and hence, damage to piers for these bridges was minor during the earthquake. Based on this concept, an innovative solation system for highway bridges with laminated-rubber bearings is developed. The system is comprised of typical laminated-rubber bearings and steel dampers. Bearing sliding is allowed during an earthquake to limit the seismic forces transmitting to piers, and steel dampers are applied to restrict the bearing displacements through hysteretic energy dissipation. As a major part of this research, a quarter-scale, two-span bridge model was constructed and tested on the shake tables to evaluate the performance of this isolation system. The bridge model was subjected to a Northridge and an artificial ground motion in transverse direction. Moreover, numerical analyses were conducted to investigate the seismic performance of the bridge model. Besides the test bridge model, a benchmark model with the superstructure fixed to the substructure in transverse direction was also included in the numerical analyses. Both the experimental and the numerical results showed high effectiveness of this proposed isolation system in the bridge model. The system was found to effectively control the pier-girder relative displacements, and simultaneously, protect the piers from severe damage. Numerical analyses also validated that the existing finite element methods are adequate to estimate the seismic response of bridges with this isolation system.     

Implications of seismic pounding on the longitudinal response of multi-span bridges-an analytical perspective

Seismic pounding between adjacent frames in multiple-frame bridges and girder ends in multi-span simply supported bridges has been commonly observed in several recent earthquakes. The consequences of pounding include damage to piers, abutments, shear keys, bearings and restrainers, and possible collapse of deck spans. This paper investigates pounding in bridges from an analytical perspective. A simplified nonlinear model of a multiple-frame bridge is developed including the effects of inelastic frame action and nonlinear hinge behavior, to study the seismic response to longitudinal ground motion. Pounding is implemented using the contact force-based Kelvin model, as well as the momentum-based stereomechanical approach, Parameter studies are conducted to determine the effects of frame period ratio, column hysteretic behavior, energy dissipation during impact and near source ground motions on the pounding response of the bridge. The results indicate that pounding is most critical for highly out-of-phase frames and is not significant for frame period ratios greater than 0.7. Impact models without energy dissipation overestimate the displacement and acceleration amplifications due to impact, especially for elastic behavior of the frames. Representation of stiffness degradation in bridge columns is essential in capturing the accurate response of pounding frames subjected to far field ground motion. Finally, it is shown that strength degradation and pounding can result in significant damage to the stiffer frames of the bridge when subjected to large acceleration pulses from near field ground motion records.     

Performance evaluation of retrofitting strategies for non-seismically designed RC buildings using steel braces

Recent major earthquakes around the world have evidenced that research in earthquake engineering must be directed to the vulnerability assessment of existing constructions lacking appropriate seismic resisting characteristics. Their retrofit or replacement should be made in order to reduce vulnerability, and consequent risk, to currently accepted levels. In this work, the efficiency of ductile steel eccentrically-braced systems in the seismic retrofitting of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings is studied. The retrofit technique studied consists in a bracing system with an energy dissipation device, designed to dissipate energy by shear deformation. The numerical model was calibrated with cyclic test results on a full-scale structure. The models used for the RC frame and masonry represent their real behavior and influence in the global structural response. The steel bracing system was modeled with strut rigid elements. The model for the energy dissipater device reproduces rigorously the behavior of the shear-link observed in the cyclic tests, namely in terms of shear, drift and energy dissipation. With the calibrated numerical model, a series of non-linear dynamic analyses were performed, for different earthquake input motions, intending to study: the influence of the retrofitting system in the response of bare and infilled structures; the influence of the location and strength of the retrofitting system.