Inelastic Analysis Of Short Highway Bridges Subjected To Strong Ground Motions

Static and dynamic nonlinear modeling of short highway bridges subjected to lateral loads are discussed. The behavior of inelastic bridge components, namely, foundation elements, elastomeric bearing pads, and pier elements is reviewed in view of the available experimental data. Two hysteresis models were used in the model: the Ramberg-Osgood and the Trilinear Q-hyst model. The calculated and measured static and free-vibration response of a five-span bridge (The Rose Creek Interchange) which was tested as part of the project are presented. It is pointed out that no universally accepted method to determine the basic nonlinear properties of pile foundations and elastomeric bearing pads are available. This leads to a drawback in any realistic nonlinear analysis of bridges for which the response is usually greatly affected by these components. For the Rose Creek Bridge, however, it was possible to obtain a somewhat reasonable estimate of the response utilizing the results from an ambient vibration testing of the bridge and a detailed geotechnical analysis of the foundations. (Author).