NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN CALTRANS SEISMMIC ANALYSIS AND DESIGN PROCEDURES FOR BRIDGES

This paper describes current practices and proposed changes for the seismic analysis and design of bridges at Caltrans. It includes an explanation of the new performance criteria for ordinary and important bridges. It provides a description of Caltrans' new site-specific ground input motions which are based on magnitude, acceleration, and the shear wave velocity of the surrounding soil. A variety of new bridge analysis tools and new bridge models, many of which seek to describe the nonlinear behavior of bridges and bridge elements, are described in the paper. Finally, current and proposed seismic design procedures for columns, joints, and superstructures are briefly illustrated. Caltran's seismic bridge procedures reflect the geological, industrial, and economic conditions of California. California's high seismicity requires analysis and design methods that are state-of-the-art. Often, new procedures are implemented only days after the research is completed. Since most bridges in California are made of cast-in-place reinforced concrete, there are few breaks in the structure for the placement of isolators or dampers. Dissipation of energy must occur in ductile columns rather than in special devices. Because California's economy is dependent on its highway system, methods of protecting vital transportation arteries during and after disasters are being studied.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Concrete Institute (ACI)

  38800 Country Club Drive
  Farmington Hills, MI  United States  48331
• Authors:
  • Yashinsky, M
• Publication Date: 1999

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 89-130
• Monograph Title: SEISMIC RESPONSE OF CONCRETE BRIDGES

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Analysis; Bridges; Cast in place concrete; Columns; Ductility; Earthquake resistant design; Joints; Nonlinear systems; Performance; Reinforced concrete bridges; Seismicity; Shear strength; Soils; Structural models; Superstructures
• Identifier Terms: California Department of Transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Joints
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I40: Soils and Rocks;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00778425
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 18 1999 12:00AM