MEMRRES: model for evaluating maintenance,repair and rehabilitation strategies in concrete bridge decks

It is very important for State Departments of Transportation (DOT) to establish strategies with regard to maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation (MR&R) of bridges. With the availability of Bridge Management Systems (BMS) such as PONTIS and BRIDGIT, owners are beginning to emphasize cost-effective proactive strategies from the start, when the bridge is new. Therefore, a model is required for the development of optimal MR&R action scenarios suitable to each DOT for effective management of the bridges. This article introduces a Model for Evaluating Maintenance, Repair and REhabilitation Strategies (MEMRRES) in concrete bridge decks. The MEMRRES assists the decision makers in determining the optimal MR&R strategy among the feasible MR&R strategies. The MEMRRES methodology is explained through a hypothetical example and is applied for determining the optimal MR&R strategy of concrete bridge decks for 24 State DOT (DOTs). It can be used as a tool by bridge engineers within their respective DOT to select cost-effective MR&R actions for concrete bridge decks.     

A method for examining the seismic performance of steel arch deck bridges

To examine the seismic resistance performance of a steel arch bridge during a strong earthquake, an approach is proposed in this paper to determine the ultimate strain of an arch rib using the static elasto-plastic large deformation theory. A steel fixed-end deck arch bridge with a span length of 200 m was used as an example in this study. The ultimate strain of the arch rib was calculated using the elasto-plastic finite element model. The seismic responses of the arch bridge exposed to strong earthquakes in two and three directions were also simulated. Moreover, the effect of earthquake motion in the lateral direction on the elasto-plastic earthquake response was discussed, and the seismic resistance of the structure was analyzed. The results show that steel arch bridges have preferable seismic resistance under strong earthquake conditions. While lateral earthquake motion has some influence on the damage to an arch bridge, it has little effect on the displacement, axial force, and bending moment responses of the arch rib. It is feasible to examine the seismic performance of the arch bridge by ascertaining the out-of-plane and in-plane earthquake responses of the bridge.     

A method for examining the seismic performance of steel arch deck bridges

To examine the seismic resistance performance of a steel arch bridge during a strong earthquake, an approach is proposed in this paper to determine the ultimate strain of an arch rib using the static elasto-plastic large deformation theory. A steel fixed-end deck arch bridge with a span length of 200 m was used as an example in this study. The ultimate strain of the arch rib was calculated using the elasto-plastic finite element model. The seismic responses of the arch bridge exposed to strong earthquakes in two and three directions were also simulated. Moreover, the effect of earthquake motion in the lateral direction on the elasto-plastic earthquake response was discussed, and the seismic resistance of the structure was analyzed. The results show that steel arch bridges have preferable seismic resistance under strong earthquake conditions. While lateral earthquake motion has some influence on the damage to an arch bridge, it has little effect on the displacement, axial force, and bending moment responses of the arch rib. It is feasible to examine the seismic performance of the arch bridge by ascertaining the out-of-plane and in-plane earthquake responses of the bridge.     

Application of sliding seismic isolator to building structures considering cost,performance and inspection: a case study

Seismic isolation system (SIS) of building structures can lead to reduction of the structural response to earthquake ground motion and improvement of structural safety. This paper introduces a sliding seismic isolator with mass energy regulator springs (SSIM) as a SIS type, and presents the application procedure of the SSIM to an existing building structure considering the probability that the SIS application leads to cost–benefit, the seismic performance evaluation of the building structure and the efficient SIS inspection after earthquakes. Based on a decision tree considering the probability of earthquake occurrence during the service of a building structure and functionality of the SIS against earthquakes, cost–benefit from installing a SIS is formulated, and, probability that the SIS application leads to cost–benefit is estimated. In the seismic performance evaluation, the fundamental period and structural response acceleration to the horizontal ground motion of the building with the SSIM are assessed. Furthermore, the efficient SIS inspection plan after earthquakes is investigated based on the acceptance sampling. The existing building structure, information and communications technology center of Syiah Kuala University located in Banda Aceh, Indonesia is applied for the case study.     

框架结构基于性能的抗震设防目标和性能指标的量化

针对我国现行抗震规范中,地震作用水平从多遇地震到罕遇地震的超越概率相差较大的现状,提出中小震的地震作用水平,取其50年内的超越概率为40%;对结构性能水平进行细化,划分"五档"性能水平,结合4个地震作用水平,建立14个结构抗震性能目标和"四水准"的抗震设防目标.在统计分析国内外215个钢筋混凝土框架(柱)试验数据的基础上,建立结构在地震作用下处于暂时使用和修复后使用性能水平的量化指标.通过算例,对3种不同高度的规则框架分别按照小震和中小震进行抗震没计,并进行反应谱法和时程分析,结果表明按现行规范"小震不坏"进行设计的结构,不一定能保证"中震可修",而按照"中小震"进行结构抗震设计,可以保证"中震可修".     

Finite element model development,validation and probabilistic seismic performance evaluation of Vincent Thomas suspension bridge

Based on recent findings, the main span of the Vincent Thomas suspension bridge crosses directly over the Palos Verdes fault, which has the capacity to produce a devastating earthquake. In spring 2000, the bridge underwent a major retrofit using visco-elastic dampers. This study focuses on seismic vulnerability of the retrofitted bridge. Three-dimensional member-based detailed and panel-based simplified finite element models of the bridge are developed. In order to show the appropriateness of these models, eigenproperties of the bridge are evaluated and compared with the system identification results obtained using ambient vibration data. In addition, a model validation is performed by simulating the dynamic response during the 1994 Northridge earthquake and comparing with the measured response. Finally, considering a set of strong ground motions in the Los Angeles area, nonlinear time history analyses are performed and the ductility demands of critical sections are presented in terms of fragility curves. The study shows that a ground motion with peak ground acceleration of 0.9 g or greater will result in plastic hinge formation at one or more locations with a probability of exceedance of 50%. Also, it is found that the effect of dampers is minimal for low to moderate earthquakes and high for strong earthquakes.     

基于变形控制标准的高土石坝地震可靠度分析

基于可靠度分析的设计方法是科学定量地研究和保证岩土工程安全性的重要手段之一。通过定量考察土石坝工程中的不确定性因素,综合评估地震失效概率,可为高土石坝抗震设计和风险评估提供参考。以坝顶震陷率作为地震安全控制指标,提出了同时考虑地震和筑坝料参数不确定性的高土石坝地震可靠度分析方法。首先,采用地震烈度作为地震危险性的宏观衡量尺度,通过引入地震烈度概率模型,将基于概率烈度的地震动峰值作为地震强度因子,调整规范谱人工地震波的幅值进行动力有限元计算。然后,采用适用于处理小样本和非线性问题的高斯过程响应面法,建立筑坝料参数与坝顶震陷率之间的非线性映射关系,结合蒙特卡罗法计算高土石坝地震失效概率。最后,以紫坪铺面板堆石坝为例,应用该方法考察了设计基准期内的地震失效概率。     

发震断层的永久位移概率评估方法

 基于Cornell地表地震动的概率方法,提出发震断层未来地震引起地表永久位移的概率分析方法,其中断层模型、地震发生模型、震级与破裂面的长度、宽度、地表位移之间关系的参数采用物探结果、震源运动学反演、历史地震资料、现场考察及测年确定。主要技术有2点：(1) 概率分析场点地震动是场点周围断层所有潜在地震的贡献,而场点的地表永久位移仅是该断层的贡献;(2) 场点所在断层发生的所有地震对场点的地震动均有贡献,而场点所在断层发生的少数地震才能对场点永久位移有贡献。应用提出的方法,结合海原断裂地震地质资料和地震活动性资料,给出2种特征地震模型下的不同概率水准的地震地表永久位移。发震断层不同概率水准下的地表永久位移评估为穿越断层的管线和桥梁工程提供基础数据,以便采取合理的抵抗永久地表位移措施,减小地震灾害带来的损失。     

Reliability-based capacity design for reinforced concrete bridge structures

In the seismic design of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge structures, there should be no brittle failures, such as shear failures, in the components, and a plastic hinge should be formed at the bottom of the bridge pier. These are important concepts in capacity design to guarantee the safety of bridges subjected to severe earthquakes. These concepts can maximise post-event operability and minimise the cost of repairing bridges after a severe earthquake. In this article, a reliability-based methodology to carry out capacity design with partial factors is proposed and applied to the seismic design of RC bridge structures. This ensures that (i) all of the components undergo the desired ductile failure mode, (ii) the damage due to an earthquake is induced only at the bottom of the bridge pier and (iii) the probability of failure is at most equal to a specified value.     

近场地震作用下深水桥墩的地震响应分析

近场地震以具有较大的PGV／PGA值及明显的速度脉冲为主要特征,本文分析了不同类型的近场地震对深水桥墩地震响应的影响;采用Morison方程的基本理论,将水视为附加质量,利用有限元方法来分析动水压力对深水桥墩地震响应的影响。通过计算分析得出：具有较大PGV／PGA值的近场地震波会引起桥墩结构较大的地震响应;动水压力对桥墩结构的地震响应有显著的影响,同时近场地震的速度脉冲效应会进一步增大动水压力对深水桥墩地震响应的影响;在矩形深水桥墩设计中,要考虑截面形状效应的影响,选择合适的D／B值。     

反应谱离散性对梁桥概率地震需求预计的影响

以一座三跨非规则钢筋混凝土连续梁桥为例,选择2组实际地震波作为输入地面运动,通过IDA分析探讨地震波反应谱的离散度对于梁桥结构概率地震需求预计的影响,得到以下结论：实际地震波的反应谱离散度与桥梁结构概率地震需求预计的离散度密切相关;针对基于概率理论的PBEE和PBSD,合理的选择实际地震波进行动力分析,可以使地震需求的概率分布更加符合实际情况,提高概率地震需求预计、易损性曲线等计算结果的精确性和计算效率。     

Pretest analysis of shake table response of a two-span steel girder bridge incorporating accelerated bridge construction connections

This paper presents pretest analysis of a shake table test model of a 0.35-scale, two-span, steel plate girder bridge. The objective of pretest analysis was to obtain an insight on the seismic response of the bridge model during the shake table tests. The bridge included seat type abutments, full-depth precast deck panels, and a two-column bent in which columns were pinned to the footing and integral with superstructure. Six accelerated bridge construction connections were incorporated in the bridge model. An analytical model was developed in OpenSees and was subjected to ten input bi-directional earthquake motions including near-fault and far-field records. The overall seismic response of the bridge was satisfactory for all the earthquake records at 100%, 150%, and 200% design level. All connections and capacity-protected components remained elastic, and the average ductility capacity surpassed the ductility demand even at 200% design level. Using experimental fragility curves developed for RC bridge columns, it was predicted that there was a probability of 45% that columns would undergo the imminent failure in the last run and a probability of 30% for their failure.     

Response of nonlinear single-degree-of-freedom structures to random acceleration sequences

Current seismic codes specify design earthquake loads as single events. The structure, however, may experience multiple ground accelerations in a short period of time. The evidence from recent earthquakes confirms this scenario. For instance, the 2004 Niigata earthquake consisted of two acceleration sequences. An earthquake of repeated sequences can cause more damage to the structure than a single ordinary event, due to the accumulation of inelastic deformations. However, information on repeated acceleration sequences is currently limited. This paper proposes a simple stochastic model for representing repeated acceleration sequences. Subsequently, the model is used in investigating the response of nonlinear single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structures to random earthquakes of repeated sequences. The ground acceleration is represented as a stationary Gaussian random process modulated by an envelope function of repeated character. The structural response is quantified in terms of the input and hysteretic energies, ductility demand, damage indices and failure probability. Numerical demonstrations of the response of nonlinear SDOF systems to acceleration sequences are provided.     

考虑板式支座滑移的中小跨度梁式桥振动台试验

基于汶川地震中小跨度梁式桥普遍出现的板式橡胶支座滑移典型震害,采用大比例全桥振动台试验手段探究了考虑板式支座滑移对该类桥梁抗震性能影响。以一座25m跨径的标准简支T梁桥为例,设计了1/4缩尺比的全桥试验模型,选取一条近场脉冲型实际地震动记录作为振动台试验输入,对不同墩梁横向约束体系的结构开展了一系列振动台试验研究。试验结果表明：①强震作用下板式橡胶支座与梁底间会出现摩擦滑移效应,从而在一定程度上对下部结构起到隔震作用;②在地震动较小时,常规横向混凝土挡块可以起到一定限位效果,但在强震作用下,随着板式橡胶支座开始发生滑移,混凝土挡块的限位效果逐渐减弱,同时混凝土挡块还会造成下部结构较大的地震损伤;③新型弹塑性挡块具有良好稳定的滞回耗能能力,可有效控制强震作用下墩梁间最大相对位移需求,减低其震后残余位移,同时弹塑性挡块的屈服还可避免下部结构造成严重地震损伤。     

台湾海峡跨海大桥抗震设计的思考

台湾海峡大桥是21世纪的一项伟大工程,由于台湾海峡所处的地质条件和台湾海峡跨海大桥的功能作用,台湾海峡大桥的抗震设计十分重要。本文分析比较了各种大跨桥型的抗震特点,并讨论了地震地面运动的空间性对各桥型地震反应的影响,进而提出了台湾海峡大桥在方案比选时应注意的一些抗震设计问题。     

Optimal intervention strategies for multiple objects affected by manifest and latent deterioration processes

In the existing infrastructure management systems, optimal interventions strategies (OISs) are determined for objects that deteriorate gradually (manifest deterioration process, MDPs), under the assumption that with appropriate inspection and intervention strategies the probability of failure of object can be neglected. Objects that deteriorate suddenly (latent deterioration process, LDPs), for example, due to scouring during a flood or earth movements during an earthquake are not considered. The determination of OISs for an object that deteriorates due to both MDPs and LDPs requires the consideration of both. The latter, however, means that the probability of failure of the object must be considered. In this article, a Markov model is presented that can be used to determine OISs for multiple objects of multiple types affected by uncorrelated MDPs and LDPs. The model is an extension of the model proposed by Mayet and Madanat (Incorporation of seismic considerations in bridge management systems. Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, 17:185–193, 2002). In the model, a set of condition states (CSs) is used to describe the condition of objects of each type, where each set is composed of non-failure CSs and failure CSs. The probabilities of going from each non-failure CS to each failure CS are estimated using normalised fragility curves, and the probabilities of going from each non-failure CS to each non-failure CS are initially estimated using the Markov deterioration prediction model of Kobayashi, Kaito, and Lethanh (A Bayesian estimation method to improve deterioration prediction for infrastructure system with Markov chain model. International Journal of Architecture, Engineering and Construction, 1:1–13, 2012a) and later adjusted taking into consideration the probabilities of entering the failure CSs. The use of the model is demonstrated using a road link comprising one road section and one bridge.     

Response of an isolated cable-stayed bridge under bi-directional seismic actions

This paper investigates the effectiveness and limitations of seismic isolation for the earthquake protection of a cable-stayed bridge under bi-directional seismic actions. A simplified lumped mass finite element model of the Quincy Bay-view Bridge at Illinois is developed for the investigation. The deck of the bridge is isolated from the towers by using elastomeric and sliding isolation systems. For the non-linear isolation systems, the interaction between the restoring forces in two orthogonal horizontal directions is duly considered in the response analysis. The seismic response of the bridge is obtained by solving the governing equations of motion in the incremental form using an iterative step-by-step method. A parametric study is also performed by varying important parameters of the isolation systems. The seismic response of the isolated cable-stayed bridge is compared with the corresponding response of the bridge without isolation systems. The results of the investigation indicate that the peak base shear response of the towers and deck accelerations are significantly reduced by the isolation. The displacement response of the hysteretic isolation systems is found to be increased when the bi-directional interaction of the bearing force is considered in the response analysis. Furthermore, it is also found that the response of the bridge is significantly affected by the variation in the parameters of the isolation systems.     

Most impacting conventional design parameters on the seismic permanent displacement of shallow foundations

Japan's previous large earthquakes have caused minimal harmful damage to shallow foundations for highway bridges. Conventional earthquake designs have ensured stability within the conventional safety standards effective against small-to mid-scale seismic forces. Although such conventional stability checks are empirically thought to provide a sufficient margin of safety for highway bridge foundations, and even against larger earthquakes, this perception has not yet been thoroughly justified. CAESAR, at PWRI, has recently developed a new macro-element capable of expressing the seismic behavior of shallow foundations with reasonable accuracy. Accordingly, this paper presents a parametric study confirming the importance of conventional design criteria and computing the differences in the seismic permanent displacement of pier-shallow foundation systems by differentiating the values of safety factors incorporated in the conventional design criteria. Within the several conventional design parameters reviewed, this study finds that checks using the pseudo-static bearing capacity may not be as important as commonly assumed.     

Computational studies on the seismic response of the State Route 99 bridge in Seattle with SMA/ECC plastic hinges

This paper reports a computational study on the seismic response of a three-span highway bridge system incorporating conventional and novel substructure details for improved seismic performance. The bridge has three continuous spans supported by two single-column piers and integral abutments founded on drilled shafts. It will be the first full-scale highway bridge to use superelastic shape memory alloy bars (SMA) and engineered cementitious composite (ECC) to mitigate column plastic hinge damage and minimize residual displacements after a strong earthquake. A three-dimensional computational model capturing the nonlinear constitutive response of the novel materials and the effects of dynamic soil-structure interaction was developed to assess the seismic response of the bridge in finite-element software OpenSees. Two versions of the same bridge were analyzed and compared, one with conventional cast-in-place reinforced concrete columns, and the other with top plastic hinges incorporating Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) SMA reinforcing bars and ECC. The novel SMA/ECC plastic hinges were found to substantially reduce damage and post-earthquake residual displacements in the bridge substructure, but led to larger maximum drifts relative to the bridge with conventional reinforced concrete plastic hinges. The analysis results suggested that the novel plastic hinges could lead to improved post-earthquake serviceability of bridges after intense earthquakes.     

A model for the evaluation of intervention strategies for bridges affected by manifest and latent deterioration processes

Markov models are often used in bridge management systems to evaluate intervention strategies (ISs) for bridges affected by manifest deterioration processes (MnDPs). These models do not directly take into consideration the effect of latent deterioration processes (LtDPs) on the object, i.e. the deterioration that might occur due to natural hazards (e.g. earthquakes and floods). In cases where there is a negligible probability of the occurrence of natural hazards, this is justified, otherwise it is not. In this paper, a model is proposed that can be used to evaluate ISs for bridge elements and bridges considering both MnDPs and LtDPs. The model is an extension of the Markov models, and includes condition states (CSs) that can occur due to both MnDPs and LtDPs, as well as the probabilities of transition (p.o.ts) between them. The contributions to the p.o.ts due to MnDPs are initially estimated using well-established methods and adjusted for the contributions to the p.o.ts due to LtDPs, which are estimated using fragility curves and adjusted considering element dependencies, i.e. how the elements of a bridge work together. The use of the model is demonstrated by predicting the future CSs of a bridge affected by both MnDPs and LtDPs.