Numerical and experimental studies on the seismic retrofit of simply supported bridges using superelastic restrainers

摘要

In this paper, the effectiveness of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) restrainers for the seismic retrofit of multi-span simply supported deck bridges is investigated through a series of numerical nonlinear dynamic analyses and shaking table tests on an experimental mock-up of a typical bridge structure. Both numerical analyses and experimental tests have been carried out on the structure with and without seismic restrainers. The results of these studies clearly prove the effectiveness of the SMA-based restrainers in controlling the displacement response of simply supported deck bridges.