Influence of intermediate pier bearing type on integral abutment bridge seismic response

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Due to the popularity of integral abutment bridges (IABs) in the United States, understanding their seismic behavior is a critical need. IABs are frequently used in the Midwestern state of Illinois, which includes regions of moderate to high seismicity in the southern part of the state due to its proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Illinois typically uses two types of bearings between the superstructure of a bridge and the intermediate pier caps - namely, elastomeric bearings and low-profile fixed bearings. In seat-type abutment bridges, at least one pier incorporates fixed bearings while the other piers and abutments use elastomeric bearings, which aid in creating a quasi-isolated seismic response of the superstructure. In IABs, the inherent fixity of the superstructure at both abutments leads to superstructure movement that is dependent on the type of bearings at the intermediate piers. This study investigates the seismic behavior of three- and four-span IABs typical to southern Illinois with either all elastomeric or all fixed bearings at the intermediate piers. The bridges are modeled in OpenSees and subjected to 1000-year return period earthquake ground motions appropriate for the region. This sensitivity study considering the use of elastomeric or fixed bearings in IABs provides new information on demands that are transmitted from the bridge superstructure into the bridge substructure, especially the piers and foundations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2018, NCEE 2018
Subtitle of host publicationIntegrating Science, Engineering, and Policy
PublisherEarthquake Engineering Research Institute
Pages2078-2081
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781510873254
StatePublished - 2018
Event11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2018: Integrating Science, Engineering, and Policy, NCEE 2018 - Los Angeles, United States
Duration: Jun 25 2018Jun 29 2018

Publication series

Name11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2018, NCEE 2018: Integrating Science, Engineering, and Policy
Volume4

Conference

Conference11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2018: Integrating Science, Engineering, and Policy, NCEE 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLos Angeles
Period6/25/186/29/18

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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