RESPONSE OF SEISMIC ISOLATED BRIDGE CROSSING STRIKE-SLIP FAULTS

Abstract eng:
Bridges constructed in high seismic hazard areas, could be subjected to direct ground-induced actions from seismic fault movements. These actions constitute major threat for the structural integrity of the bridges. In the extreme case at which the bridge crosses a seismic fault, the potential threat is amplified. For the design of those bridges, calculation of the actual response is necessary for the engineers in order to apply an appropriate seismic hazard mitigation process. Towards this purpose the development of reliable numerical analysis and design tools is required. In the present paper, the response of seismic isolated bridges, with spherical friction pendulum seismic bearings, crossing strike-slip faults is examined. Initially the spherical friction pendulum isolators are modeled rigorously using the commercial Finite Element software Abaqus. More specific the single, double and triple friction pendulum isolators are modeled using solid elements and rigid surfaces. Moreover, the numerical response of individual friction pendulum systems is verified via comparisons with appropriate experimental results published in the literature. Using the verified numerical model of the seismic isolators two bridge models are examined, one symmetric with 5 spans and one asymmetric with 10 spans, having similar geometrical and mechanical properties with an actual bridge structure, the Bolu-Viaduct. An appropriate set of ground-induced actions is used as input in the analysis. The behavior of the bridge models are examined with respect to (a) crossing angle between the bridge axis and the seismic fault and (b) position of the seismic fault.

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