The behavior of bridges during past earthquakes has shown that the structure type, configuration and layout, and the structural details used have a significant effect on seismic performance. The seismic design guidelines included in Chapter 9 of the AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering are based on a three-level ground motion and performance criteria approach consistent with the railroad post-seismic event response procedures. To achieve the performance requirements for the levels two and three ground motions, which represent larger earthquakes, emphasis is put on the use of bridge configurations and details that minimize seismic damage.
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