Bridge Foundations: Modeling Large Pile Groups and Caissons for Seismic Design

The report synthesizes and summarizes current Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sponsored bridge research and related technical reports ion the seismic design of large pile groups and caissons into one design-oriented guideline report on seismic design, suitable for applications to the retrofit of existing long span bridges, or a new design. The characterization of ground motions for seismic soil-foundation-structure interaction analyses is an important component of the foundation modeling process and is discussed in detail. Discussion includes methods for generating spectrum compatible time histories, spatial variations of ground motion and effects of local soil conditions on site response. Modeling approaches for large pile groups focus on the use of substructuring approach, the use of p-y curves and associated pile group effects to develop linearized Winkler springs and the assembly of pile group stiffness matrices. The analysis approach is illustrated with several case history examples, including the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge East Span project. The complexity of kinematic soil-pile interaction as related to modification of input ground motions is also described. Modeling approaches for large caisson foundations often employed as piers for large over-water bridges are discussed in detail, with an emphasis on the use of linear stiffness matrices, and nonlinear lumped spring and nonlinear distributed spring approaches. The influence of kinematic interaction on input ground motions is also described. Two case history examples are used to illustrate the modeling approaches, including one used for the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: https://mceer.buffalo.edu/publications/catalog/reports/Bridge-Foundations-Modeling-Large-Pile-Groups-and-Caissons-for-Seismic-Design-MCEER-07-0018.html
• Corporate Authors:

  Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research

  State University of New York, 107 Red Jacket Quadrangle, P.O. Box 610025
  Buffalo, NY  United States  14261-0025

  University of Southern California, Los Angeles

  Keston Institute for Public Finance and Infrastructure Policy
  Los Angeles, CA  United States  90089

  Earth Mechanics Incorporated

  17660 Newhope Street
  Fountain Valley, CA  United States  92708

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Lam, Ignatius Po
  • Law, Hubert K
  • Martin, Geoffrey R
• Publication Date: 2007-12-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Technical Report
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 132p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge foundations; Caissons; Earthquake resistant design; Foundations; Long span bridges; Seismic prospecting; Seismicity; Support piles
• Geographic Terms: Tacoma (Washington)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01095691
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MCEER-07-0018
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-98-C-00094
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 30 2008 7:30AM