Analytical and Experimental Investigation on the Seismic Efficiency of a New Restraining System for Limiting the Seismic Movements of the Bridge Deck

Abstract eng:
The aim of this study is the analytical and experimental investigation on the seismic efficiency of an innovative restraining system. This system consists of transversely directed R/C walls, which behave as seismic stoppers. The aforementioned walls constitute part of the abutment and they are transversely directed to the longitudinal direction of the bridge. The available height of the abutment and the thickness of the walls are the main parameters affecting the serviceability level and seismic resistance of the aforementioned system. These parameters are strongly correlated, as they both influence the shear ratio of concrete walls and consequently, the seismic efficiency of the abutment. It is noted that the restraining walls of the abutment contribute not only by their own stiffness but also by dissipating energy through hysteretic behavior. In the first part of the study the investigation on the applicability of the proposed restraining system in all bridge types, independently of their length and the abutment’s available height is presented. In the second part of the study the experimental investigation on the seismic efficiency of the proposed restraining system under monotonic and cyclic loading is presented. The experimental program involves three specimens. The results of the investigation showed that the proposed restraining system improves the safety, durability, serviceability, aesthetics and cost-effectiveness of bridges. Specifically, the exploitation of the proposed abutment in monolithic and floating deck bridge systems showed that, the longitudinal and transverse movements of the deck are effectively reduced. The aforementioned reductions in the seismic movements lead to reduced seismic actions of the piers. It is noted that, the reduction in the seismic actions leads to cost- effective and smaller cross-sections of the piers, which also serve aesthetics. Finally, the experimental investigation verified that the capacity of the system to dissipate energy is significant.

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