Lessons Learnt from Seismic Damage Induced by the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake

Abstract

The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake with a surface wave magnitude of 8.0 induced numerous infrastructure damages. The typical seismic damages of 61 bridges, 18 tunnels and slope reinforcements are presented. The results show longitudinal or transverse displacement was the most widespread bridge seismic damage and resulted in girder dropping, shear key failure, joint expansion and support damage. Pillar was sheared off or crushed failure due to strong motions and lack of sufficient hoop steels. Tunnel damage was mainly observed at portal, which was mostly caused by slope failure. Strong ground shaking caused multi-direction cracks in the lining, shear failure of lining resulted from serious surrounding rock relative displacement. Investigation of slope reinforcements suggests anchor cable and frame beam had good anti-seismic property. Furthermore, some suggestions about resistant countermeasures to future earthquake are proposed.