The Feasibility of Using Buckling-Restrained Braces for Long-Span Bridges--A Case Study

This report summarizes a case study investigating the feasibility of using buckling-restrained braces for use on long-span bridges. In particular, the case study presented considers the feasibility of using buckling-restrained braces in a seismic retrofit for the Vincent Thomas Bridge which is located near the Palos-Verde Fault in Long Beach, California. The existing seismic response mitigation system includes viscous fluid dampers that incur damage, characterized by loss of the viscous fluid, as a result of ambient bridge motion. In an effort to provide a maintenance-free system for the bridge, this research focuses on simulated structural response of the bridge outfitted with buckling-restrained braces to ascertain both their seismic and serviceability performance requirements. This report does not address the many design-oriented issues involved with actual implementation of such a retrofit scheme, which would require a detailed evaluation of the bridge structure and further consideration of the likely forces imparted upon the bridge by the buckling-restrained braces. Utilization of buckling restrained braces is currently uncommon on U.S. bridge structures, and therefore the study reveals some unique testing opportunities. Performing such testing would confirm the ability of buckling-restrained braces to sustain the required simulated near-fault seismic deformational demands, and would expand upon the available test data for buckling-restrained braces for bridge applications in the US.

• Record URL:
  https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/f0016569-final-report-ca12-2149.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://merritt.cdlib.org/api/presign-file/ark%253A%252F13030%252Fm53f9b8x/2/producer%252FCA12-2149.pdf
• 
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/860911678
• Corporate Authors:

  University of California, San Diego

  Department of Structural Engineering, School of Engineering
  La Jolla, CA  United States  92093-0085

  California Department of Transportation

  Division of Engineering Services
  1801 30th Street, West Building MS-9
  Sacramento, CA  United States  95807
• Authors:
  • Lanning, Joel
  • Benzoni, Gianmario
  • Uang, Chia-Ming
• Publication Date: 2011-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 160p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Braces; Buckling; Case studies; Dampers; Earthquake resistant design; Long span bridges; Motion; Retrofitting; Testing
• Identifier Terms: Vincent Thomas Bridge
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01497503
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Report/Paper Numbers: CA12-2149, SSRP-11/09
• Contract Numbers: 65A0358
• Files: CALTRANS, TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Nov 4 2013 4:46PM