THRESHOLD ACCELERATIONS FOR ROTATION OR SLIDING OF BRIDGE ABUTMENTS

The authors describe an analytic method for estimating threshold accelerations for movement of gravity-wall bridge abutments due to earthquake loading. The method combines the established work related to the sliding mode of intermittent failure with a new concept on seismic reduction of bearing capacity leading to periodic vertical movement and consequent rotation of bridge abutments. Since the threshold accelerations at which horizontal and vertical equilibrium are lost differ, mixed modes of seismic movement are possible. The thrust of this paper is to present laboratory evidence from small-scale, retaining-wall bridge abutments subjected to seismic excitation to verify the threshold acceleration levels predicted by this analytical method for various modes of wall movement. Three different test series were conducted on a shaking table on walls with varying interface conditions between the wall and the foundation, backfill, and bridge deck. The abutment models were general in that, although a specific mode of progressive failure could be predicted, it was not forced.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07339410
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Richards Jr, R
  • Fishman, K L
  • Divito, R C
• Publication Date: 1996-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 752-759
• Serial:
  • Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
  • Volume: 122
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-9410

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); Analysis; Bridge abutments; Earthquakes; Failure; Rotation; Seismicity; Shaking table tests; Structural analysis
• Uncontrolled Terms: Seismic investigations; Sliding; Thresholds
• Old TRIS Terms: Analytical method; Progressive failure
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00726912
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 3 1996 12:00AM