Seismic Fragility Assessment of an Existing Multi-Span RC Bridge Equipped with Risk Mitigation Systems

Abstract

The vulnerability of bridges and the effectiveness of suitable mitigation techniques in regions exposed to different seismic scenarios, while lacking reliable fragility assessment studies for existing bridge inventory, need focused attention. Further, while several retrofit techniques were proposed for improving the seismic performance of existing bridges, the limitations of such approaches need further investigation. Thus, this study assesses the seismic vulnerability of a benchmark structure representing pre-seismic code multi-span bridges in an earthquake-prone region before and after the retrofit to mitigate earthquake-related losses. The numerical modeling approaches of the selected bridge and retrofit systems were verified using the results of previous experimental studies. Detailed three-dimensional fiber-based (3DFB) simulation models were then developed to assess the seismic response of the benchmark bridge under the effects of diverse earthquake records representing far-field and near-source seismic scenarios in both longitudinal and transverse directions. The obtained results from several inelastic pushover analyses (IPAs) and incremental dynamic analyses (IDAs) confirmed the vulnerability of the benchmark bridge and the pressing need for mitigation actions to reduce the expected seismic losses under different seismic scenarios. Higher damage probabilities were observed under the effects of far-source events and at lower intensities than their near-field counterparts. Based on the probabilistic assessment study, it is concluded that retrofitting the bridge with buckling restrained braces (BRBs) is an effective mitigation measure to increase the lateral strength and overcome the high curvature ductility (CD) demands observed in bents, particularly under the most critical seismic scenario. The study provides insight into the impacts of contemporary retrofit techniques on improving the seismic performance of substandard bridges and presents a range of fragility functions for the assessment and mitigation of earthquake risks.