Earthquake resistant structures

About: Earthquake resistant structures is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1126 publications have been published within this topic receiving 27467 citations.

Approximate Design for Three Earthquake Components

Abstract: The seismic analysis of complex structures is often carried out by the response spectrum method. A method was presented by which the simultaneous variation of various responses can be postulated using the results from the response spectrum analysis under each of the three components of earthquakes.

Proof-of-Concept Testing of a Laterally Stable Eccentrically Braced Frame for Steel Bridge Piers

Abstract: Eccentrically braced frames have been shown to exhibit excellent seismic performance. However, eccentrically braced frames have had limited use in the steel piers of bridges due to the difficulty to provide the lateral bracing required to prevent possibility of lateral torsional buckling of the link. An eccentrically braced frame system in which lateral bracing of the link can be avoided, would make it desirable in the context of bridge seismic design and retrofit. This paper describes the design and testing of a proof-of-concept eccentrically braced frame specimen that utilizes a hybrid rectangular shear link that is not laterally braced. Equations used for design, including plastic moment, stiffener spacing, and limiting flange compactness ratio, are given and references for their derivations are provided. The quasi-static cyclic proof-of-concept testing is described and results are reported. Stable and full hysteretic loops were obtained and no signs of flange, web, or lateral torsional buckling were observed. The link was subjected to 0.15 radians of rotation in the final cycle, which is almost twice the maximum rotation allowed in building codes for links with I-shaped cross-sections. Although the final failure mode was fracture of the bottom link flange, the large rotations achieved were well above what would be required in a seismic event, indicating that hybrid rectangular links without lateral bracing of the link can indeed be a viable alternative for applications in steel bridge piers in seismic regions.

Mitigation of earthquake damage on eastern highway systems

Abstract: This article reviews highway bridge damage caused by a major earthquake in the Eastern United States. Past earthquake-induced failures to the highway network are reviewed to show the vulnerable components of the highway system. Major obstructions in the implementation of existing technology in the United States is discussed along with research recommended to improve earthquake-resistant highway bridge design and construction.

Recent Developments in Testing Base Isolation Systems

Abstract: One of these developments has been the ability to test large scale isolation systems using simulated seismic loads. These tests have not only proven the performance and reliability of the isolation systems and hardware, but have enabled correlation studies to be undertaken which have confirmed the accuracy of analytical methods and the acceptability of current design procedures. Component tests on single isolators are described. Tests on plain and filled natural rubber bearings, lead-rubber bearings, sliding bearings and bearings incorporating uplift resistance mechanisms have been performed. High shear strain tests on large (up to full-scale) elastomeric bearings have been conducted to determine the stability characteristics and limit states of the isolators. Performance evaluation studies using the earthquake simulator to test large scale model isolated structures have been carried out for a variety of isolation systems and structures. Uplift studies of slender base isolated buildings and the investigation of the behavior of base isolated skew bridge decks have been studied. This paper aims to highlight those areas where progress has been made.

Research and Innovation: Seismic Performance of Various Geocell Earth-Retention Systems

Abstract: This article provides an overview of research examining the use of geocells as an earth-retention structure. The objective of the study was to quantify a reasonable reduction factor (RF) on the peak ground acceleration (PGA) for geocell retention structures. The reduced factors are then integrated with established limit equilibrium (LE) analysis in order to conduct seismic and static design. The 1995 Kobe earthquake was used as a reference for calibrating the reduction factor and the associated seismic coefficient.