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.

Nonlinear Seismic Response and Parametric Examination of Horizontally Curved Steel Bridges Using 3D Computational Models

Abstract: The seismic behavior of horizontally curved steel bridges is more complex than straight bridges because of their curvature and other parameters. Studies that attempt to develop methods to efficiently predict their seismic response have been somewhat limited to date. A computational modeling approach was examined to assist with understanding the seismic behavior of these bridges. The computational, three-dimensional (3D) bridge models consisting of the concrete deck, steel girders, cross-frames, pier columns and caps, and abutments and footings were created in OpenSees and examined for accuracy via application to a representative, three-span continuous curved steel plate girder bridge in Pennsylvania. Sensitivity studies in the form of tornado analyses were also carried out to investigate the influence of critical curved bridge parameters on the seismic response using a group of representative bridges. Each representative bridge was subjected to an ensemble of synthetic ground motions, and seismic ...

Highway culvert performance during past earthquakes

Abstract: To assess performance of culverts during earthquakes, the authors reviewed reports from six earthquakes, interviewed highway officials in areas shaken by four earthquakes and conducted field investigations in epicentral regions of three earthquakes. Seventeen corrugated metal pipe (CMP), one thermoplastic pipe, five reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), and thirty reinforced concrete box (RCB) structures were specifically evaluated through field inspection of literature review. Five of these culverts (all CMP) were deformed into a dysfunctional condition; nine (three CMP, five RCP and one RCB) required major repairs or replacement; six RCB structures required minor repairs (epoxy of cracks). Primary causes of culvert damage were liquefaction-induced embankment penetration or spreading, slope instability, and fault rupture.

Assessment of performance of bolu viaduct in the 1999 duzce earthquake in turkey

Abstract: Nearly complete when hit by the powerful November 12, 1999 Duzce earthquake in Turkey, the Bolu Viaduct is a 2.3-km-long seismically isolated structure. The viaduct suffered complete failure of the seismic isolation system and narrowly avoided total collapse due to excessive superstructure movement. This report provides an evaluation of the design of the seismic isolation system of this structure and an assessment of the performance of the structure in the Duzce earthquake. The evaluation of design and assessment of performance are important in developing experience in the design of seismically isolated structures and in validating analysis and design specifications.

Probabilistic Performance-Based Procedure to Evaluate Pile Foundations at Sites with Liquefaction-Induced Lateral Displacement

Abstract: Liquefaction-induced ground deformation has caused major damage to bridge and wharf structures in past earthquakes. Large lateral ground displacements may induce significant forces in the foundation and superstructure, which may lead to severe damage or even collapse. A performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) approach can provide an objective assessment of the likely seismic performance, so that agencies can evaluate bridge or wharf structures, compare retrofit strategies, and rank them within their overall system. In this paper, a probabilistic PBEE design procedure that incorporates findings from recent research on this problem is presented. The proposed approach can provide answers in terms that are meaningful to owners, such as expected repair costs and downtimes. The methodology is validated through its application to a well-documented case history. Results show that the proposed approach provides a good estimate of the seismic performance of pile-supported structures at sites with liquefaction-induced lateral displacement.