Seismic Response Analysis of Isolated and Nonisolated Continuous Girder Bridges under Multidimensional Near-Field Ground Motions

Abstract

In this study, the responses of isolated bridges and nonisolated bridges are studied under multidimensional seismic motions. First, damage constitutive models of steel bars and concrete materials were combined with the fiber beam-column element model, and the isolated bearing model considering bearing failure was selected. The bridge numerical analysis model was then established. The seismic responses of isolated and nonisolated bridges were analyzed under near-field ground motions (fling-step and forward-directivity ground motions) and far-field ground motions. It was found that the seismic responses of nonisolated bridges, such as deck acceleration, pier displacement, pier damage, and bearing displacement under near-field ground motions, were higher than those under far-field ground motions. Under far-field ground motions, isolation bearings effectively reduced various seismic responses of structures and had isolation effects. Under forward-directivity TCU102 ground motions, the minimum isolation ratios of isolation bearings for peak acceleration of the girder in the Z direction, pier displacement, and pier shear force were −0.14, −2.65, and −0.05, respectively. The low-isolation ratio and significant damage to the isolation bearings indicate that the isolation bearings cannot be directly used under near-field conditions.