CALIFORNIA'S SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA FOR BRIDGES

An earthquake design criteria developed for bridges in California is presented. The criteria considers the proximity of maximum credible seismic events, local soil conditions, dynamic structural characteristics, ductility, and risk. The rationale for development of a flexible criteria which permits future revisions is given. The development of a map of maximum bedrock accelerations for California is examined. The development of response spectra at the bedrock level based on actual recorded events is presented. A method for considering the effects of soils at a site is developed and incorporated into the criteria. Four sets of soil curves are shown to represent the majority of bridge sites in California. The rationale behind the ductility and risk reductions for modern California bridges is described. Recent dynamic analysis applications and approximate methods of analysis are presented, as well as future directions of seismic bridge design. /Author/

• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Gates, J H
• Publication Date: 1976-12

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 2301-13
• Serial:
  • Journal of the Structural Division
  • Volume: 103
  • Issue Number: ST12
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge design; Bridges; Ductility; Dynamics; Earthquakes; Hazards; Risk assessment; Seismicity; Soils; Structural design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Dynamic characteristics; Soil conditions
• Old TRIS Terms: Seismic properties
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00148379
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 15 1977 12:00AM