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Seismic response of multi-frame bridges

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Abstract

Long cast-in-place concrete bridges are often constructed in multiple frames separated by in-span hinges. The multi-frame system offers lower construction and maintenance costs, fewer adverse effects due to creep, post-tensioning, and thermal deformations as a few of its advantages. However, the seismic response of multi-frame bridges has been uncertain owing to the complexities of their discrete system. This study intends to improve the understanding of the seismic response of multi-frame bridge systems and evaluate the applicability of current design assumptions. Responses of multi-frame bridges and comparable single-frame bridges of the same length are compared. Seismic demands on multi-frame bridge columns, abutments, and in-span hinges were investigated through high-fidelity analytical simulations. Approximately 3400 nonlinear time history analyses of prototype bridges with realistic designs were performed using the OpenSees platform. Analysis of variance was implemented along with a factorial design to study the effect of several independent factors, including the number of frames, substructure system, unequal column heights, soil type, ground motion intensity, and capacity-to-demand ratio. It was observed for elastic dynamic analysis that a 90 % modal mass participation ratio is not adequate to accurately estimate dynamic responses. Seismic demands on columns in multi-frame bridges are typically smaller than those in comparable single-frame bridges. The multi-frame system is seismically more robust than the single-frame system, specifically for bridges spanning non-uniform valleys that include unequal column heights. To prevent longitudinal unseating at in-span hinges, it is critical to consider the interaction of transverse and longitudinal responses. The seismic damage to abutment backwalls and backfills in multi-frame bridges is expected to be extensive owing to small expansion joints.

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Acknowledgments

This research was a part of a project funded by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) under Contract #65A0464. Special thanks are given to Dr. Charles Sikorsky, Dr. Daryoush Tavatli, Mr. Marc Friedheim, Dr. Toorak Zokaie, Dr. Mark Mahan, Mr. Tom Ostrom, Mr. Mike Keever and Dr. Saad El-Azazy for their significant advice throughout this project. Assistance from Dr. Alicia Echevarria and Ms. Amanda McBride was also appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Structures, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, Glastonbury, CT, USA

    Masoud Mehr

  2. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, 261 Glenbrook Rd, Unit 3037, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA

    Arash E. Zaghi

Authors
  1. Masoud Mehr
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  2. Arash E. Zaghi
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Correspondence to Masoud Mehr.

Additional information

This research was completed while Masoud Mehr was a Research Assistant at the University of Connecticut.

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Mehr, M., Zaghi, A.E. Seismic response of multi-frame bridges. Bull Earthquake Eng 14, 1219–1243 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-016-9882-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-016-9882-y

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