Nonlinear Seismic Response Analysis of Curved and Skewed Bridge System with Spherical Bearings

Authors

Junwon Seo, Iowa State University
Daniel G. Linzell, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jong Wan Hu, University of IncheonFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2013

Citation

Advances in Civil Engineering Volume 2013, Article ID 248575, 7 pages

Comments

Copyright © 2013 Junwon Seo et al.

Open access

http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/248575

Abstract

A three-dimensional (3D) modeling approach to investigate nonlinear seismic response of a curved and skewed bridge system is proposed.The approach is applied to a three-span curved and skewed steel girder bridge in the United States.The superstructure is modeled using 3D frame elements for the girders, truss elements for the cross-frames, and equivalent frame elements to represent the deck. Spherical bearings are modeled with zero-length elements coupled with hysteretic material models. Nonlinear seismic responses of the bearings subjected to actual groundmotions are examined in various directions. Findings indicate that the bearings experience moderate damage for most loading scenarios based on FEMA seismic performance criteria. Further, the bearing responses are different for the loading scenarios because of seismic effects caused by interactions between excitation direction and radius of curvature.