Deformation-Based Design of Seismically Isolated Concrete Bridges

Abstract eng:
A performance-based design (PBD) procedure, initially proposed for bridges designed for ductile behaviour of piers, is adapted herein to seismically isolated bridges. Accounting for multiple performance objectives, it initially identifies the critical hazard level and ‘near-optimal’ alternatives of the isolation system in terms of both economy and performance based on the inelastic response of a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system. By incorporating nonlinear response history analysis (NLRHA) of the multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) system in a number of successive design steps that correspond to different performance levels (PLs), it subsequently leads (in a non-iterative way) to a refinement of the initial design solution through the control of a broad range of material strains and deformations. The efficiency of the proposed design methodology is evaluated by applying it to an actual bridge that was previously designed for ductile behaviour. Assessment of the design using NLRHA for spectrum-compatible motions reveals enhanced seismic performance and cost reduction in the substructure design, thus, rendering base-isolation an appealing design alternative.

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