EXPERIMENTAL AND ANALYTICAL ASSESSMENT OF SIMPLE BRIDGE STRUCTURES SUBJECTED TO NEAR-FAULT GROUND MOTIONS

摘要

Recent laboratory experiments and analytical simulations conducted at UC Irvine and UC San Diego relating to response of simple bridge structures in the near-field of seismic events are presented in the context of variability of demand characteristics between near-field and far-field time-histories. Using quasi-static and pseudo-dynamic displacement protocols to simulate near-fault loading conditions, the performance of a series of reinforced concrete columns was assessed. The results of these tests, and a related series of tests at UC San Diego, were used to calibrate a finite element model for near-fault structural response of bridge columns. Models of simple bridge structures are under construction using this information for assessment of system response to near-fault ground motion records. Preliminary conclusions include a likely reduction in plastic hinge length under pulse-type ground motions and little change in ultimate load and displacement capacities for ductile-detailed columns.