STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND RETROFITTING OF EXISTING HIGHWAY BRIDGES SUBJECTED TO STRONG MOTION SEISMIC LOADING

The objective of this project was to determine cost effective means for modifying existing intermediate size bridges so as to better withstand the damaging effects of intense earthquake ground motions. Research studies were performed to identify and define, through structural analysis, practical techniques and criteria for retrofitting the bridges selected during the program. The need for retrofitting is based on the philosophy that damage should be limited so that collapse does not occur and traffic can be restored after minimum repairs. Seven different bridge structures were selected throughout the United States in high risk seismic regions. Seismic loads were determined for each bridge based on the soil conditions and seismicity at its site. A simplified analysis procedure was defined during the project and validated by selective comparisons with nonlinear response analyses. Each bridge was analyzed for horizontal seismic loads. Failures and potential weaknesses are indicated for several of the structures and retrofit measures are recommended. All known retrofit concepts which are of potential value in reducing seismic bridge damage are described and illustrated. Based on this study, many bridges located in high seismic risk zones may be subjected to severe damage and potential failure during the life of the structure.

• Corporate Authors:

  IIT Research Institute

  10 West 35th Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60616

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Robinson, R R
  • Privitzer, E
  • Longinow, A
  • Chu, K H
• Publication Date: 1975-5-14

Media Info

• Pagination: 330 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge design; Bridges; Cost effectiveness; Dynamic structural analysis; Earth movements; Earthquake resistant structures; Elastic waves; Highway bridges; Loads; Retrofitting; Seismicity; Seismology; Structural analysis; Structural design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Earth movements
• Geographic Terms: California
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00137415
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-75- 94 Final Rpt., IITRI-J6320-FR
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-8136
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 16 1977 12:00AM