Improving the Seismic Performance of Existing Bridge Structures Using Self-Centering Dampers

Abstract eng:
Self-centering (SC) systems are relatively new seismic resistant structural systems that reduce or eliminate the residual drifts and deformations of structures caused by earthquakes. In engineering practice, although some of the earliest applications of self-centering systems were in bridges, the majority of existing self-centering systems are for building applications to increase the chance that the building will still be serviceable after an earthquake. Bridge structures can suffer similar excessive drifts or residual displacements in earthquakes, which can result in lengthy traffic closures, costly repair or even demolition after an earthquake. The goal of this study is to improve bridge performance by using a self-centering lateral load resisting cross brace element that was designed originally for use in buildings. This brace, the self-centering energy-dissipative (SCED) brace may be applied to a bridge as a retrofit solution, unlike many other currently used selfcentering bridge systems which require rocking piers. This is especially important since the vast majority of necessary bridges are already built and many of them are currently deficient. The benefits of employing the self-centering brace to retrofit two seismically deficient bridges are investigated. The bridges are modeled using OpenSEES and are subjected to simulated earthquakes at the maximum credible hazard level. The performance of the self-centering retrofitted bridges are evaluated and compared with those of the original structures. The results demonstrate the self-centering brace systems are effective in reducing the maximum drift and eliminating the residual displacement of the bridges during and after the seismic events.

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