Extension of direct displacement-based design methodology for bridges to account for higher mode effects

An improvement is suggested to the direct displacement-based design (DDBD) procedure for bridges to account for higher mode effects, the key idea being not only the proper prediction of a target-displacement profile through the effective mode shape (EMS) method (wherein all significant modes are considered), but also the proper definition of the corresponding peak structural response. The proposed methodology is then applied to an actual concrete bridge wherein the different pier heights and the unrestrained transverse displacement at the abutments result in an increased contribution of the second mode. A comparison between the extended and the 'standard' DDBD is conducted, while further issues such as the proper consideration of the degree of fixity at the pier’s top and the effect of the deck’s torsional stiffness are also investigated. The proposed methodology and resulting designs are evaluated using nonlinear response-history analysis (NLRHA) for a number of spectrum-compatible motions. Unlike the 'standard' DDBD, the extended procedure adequately reproduced the target-displacement profile providing at the same time a good estimate of results regarding additional design quantities such as yield displacements, displacement ductilities etc., closely matching the results of the more rigorous NLRHA. However, the need for additional iterations clearly indicates that practical application of the proposed procedure is feasible only if it is fully 'automated', i.e. implemented in a software package

Shake-table tests of a reinforced concrete frame designed following modern codes: seismic performance and damage evaluation

This paper presents shake-table tests conducted on a two-fifths-scale reinforced concrete frame representing a conventional construction design under current building code provisions in the Mediterranean area. The structure was subjected to a sequence of dynamic tests including free vibrations and four seismic simulations in which a historical ground motion record was scaled to levels of increasing intensity until collapse. Each seismic simulation was associated with a different level of seismic hazard, representing very frequent, frequent, rare and very rare earthquakes. The structure remained basically undamaged and within the inter-story drift limits of the "immediate occupancy" performance level for the very frequent and frequent earthquakes. For the rare earthquake, the specimen sustained significant damage with chord rotations of up to 28% of its ultimate capacity and approached the upper bound limit of inter-story drift associated with "life safety". The specimen collapsed at the beginning of the "very rare" seismic simulation. Besides summarizing the experimental program, this paper evaluates the damage quantitatively at the global and local levels in terms of chord rotation and other damage indexes, together with the energy dissipation demands for each level of seismic hazard. Further, the ratios of column-to-beam moment capacity recommended by Eurocode 8 and ACI-318 to guarantee the formation of a strong column-weak beam mechanism are examined