Relating stress concentrations in triangular steel bridge piers to simple beam models

Supplemental system retro t considerations for braced steel bridge piers

Braced piers of steel truss bridges having braces with latticed built-up cross-sections may su er significant damage during earthquakes due to the buckling, rapid strength degradation, and fracture of the braces. One retro t alternative for such a bridge pier is to supplement the existing structural system with a system of energy dissipation devices (or structural fuses) that will yield and dis...

Seismic Design of Concrete-Filled Circular Steel Bridge Piers

The adequacy of the existing design provisions for concrete-filled steel pipes subjected to axial forces and flexure is reviewed by comparing the strengths predicted by the CAN/CSA-S16.1-M94, AISC LRFD 1994, and the Eurocode 4 1994 codes and standards against experimental data from a number of investigators. New proposed design equations are then developed, in a format compatible with North Ame...

Vulnerability Reduction for Bridge Piers

Seismic Retrofit of Bridge Steel Truss Piers Using a Controlled Rocking Approach

This paper investigates a seismic retrofit technique that allows bridge steel truss piers to uplift and rock on their foundation. Displacement-based passive energy dissipation devices buckling-restrained braces, or BRBs are implemented at the uplifting location to control the rocking response while providing additional energy dissipation. The hysteretic behavior of the controlled rocking system...

Experimental and Analytical Investigation of Bridge Piers Having Structural Fuses and Bi-steel Columns

Bridges are built in a variety of locations, many of which are susceptible to earthquakes. These bridges must be built to achieve the objectives of both accelerated bridge construction (ABC) and rapid return to service following a disaster. The concept of designing sacrificial elements to dissipate seismic energy while preserving the integrity of the structure’s other main components is known a...