Effect of Elastomeric Bearing Modeling Parameters on the Seismis Design of RC Highway Bridges with Precast Concrete Girders

Abstract eng:
Parameters affecting the seismic design and behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) highway bridges with precast prestressed concrete girders are numerically investigated. I-girders of these bridges are often supported at the ends by elastomeric bearing pads. The bearing pad-bridge girder interface defines support boundary conditions and may affect the seismic performance of the bridge. AASHTO design principles are followed throughout this work. A previously designed and constructed real bridge example (the Akcaova Bridge) which is located on the third earthquake zone in Turkey is considered for the analysis. SAP2000 is used to model the bridge. Although numerical investigations reveal that elastomeric pads may positively affect the seismic response of such bridges, this effect highly depends on geometry of bridge, especially the pier rigidities. Other conclusions include that elastomeric bearings may add extra stiffness to the system when tall and flexible piers are used.

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