The document discusses general principles of bridge design and seismic design. It notes that bridges are structurally simple but sensitive structures that require proper detailing of piers to allow for ductile behavior during seismic events. Design should also check for displacements of bearings and joints, potential ground failures, and liquefaction or landslides that could impact the structure. Elasto-plastic design is commonly used, allowing plastic hinges only in piers to remain elastic, though plastic hinges should form simultaneously when possible in accessible locations without brittle failures or large axial forces. Relevant codes for seismic bridge design from Eurocode 8 and Greek guidelines are also cited.
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General Principles of Bridge Design
The document discusses general principles of bridge design and seismic design. It notes that bridges are structurally simple but sensitive structures that require proper detailing of piers to allow for ductile behavior during seismic events. Design should also check for displacements of bearings and joints, potential ground failures, and liquefaction or landslides that could impact the structure. Elasto-plastic design is commonly used, allowing plastic hinges only in piers to remain elastic, though plastic hinges should form simultaneously when possible in accessible locations without brittle failures or large axial forces. Relevant codes for seismic bridge design from Eurocode 8 and Greek guidelines are also cited.
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General principles of bridge design
In general, bridges are simple structures from the structural point
of view. However, they are also sensitive structures. Beyond the seismic analysis, the design of bridges must also include: Proper detailing for ductile behaviour of the piers even if elastic analysis is performed) Check of displacements (bearings, joints, sitting areas) Check of ground failure (foundation of piers, infills behind the abutments) Check of liquefaction potential or land-sliding in the wider area that might affect the structure
Seismic design
Elasto-plastic design is performed (in general).
Plastic hinges are allowed only in the piers. The bridge deck shall remain within the elastic range. Flexural hinges need not necessarily form in all piers. However the optimum behaviour is achieved if plastic hinges develop approximately simultaneously in as many piers as possible. As far as possible the location of plastic hinges should be selected at points accessible for inspection and repair. Brittle modes of failure (e.g. shear failure) are not allowed. Plastic hinges shall not be formed in reinforced concrete sections where the normalized axial force is large.
Codes
Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance Part
2: Bridges. Greek Guidelines for the seismic design of bridges, Circular 39/99 (//884/24.12.1999 .....). Guidelines for the seismic isolation of bridges, ..... Download from: http://www.iabse.gr/en/en_EngineeringIssues/en_Standards.htm