Evaluation of classical reinforcement and passive control systems on a reinforced concrete bridge subjected to seismic loading

NANCLARES, GERMÁN; AMBROSINI, DANIEL; CURADELLI, OSCAR

International Journal of Lifecycle Performance Engineering

Inderscience Publishers

Lugar: Ginebra; Año: 2018 vol. 2 p. 189 - 209

2043-8648

Road bridges are fundamental in the transport network and in the daily activity of populated regions. Therefore, their operating conditions after a seismic event must remain unaltered in order to avoid the loss of human lives and to reduce economic issues associated with traffic disruption. In this context, different strategies are studied with the main objective to reduce structural demand and damage of an existent bridge in Mendoza, Argentina, with post-tensioning reinforced concrete girders that are a common structural typology in the region. A numerical study was carried out with this purpose. The numerical model was calibrated against experimental measurements of vibration natural frequencies. The alternatives studied are: a) classical reinforcement of the structural overall stiffness; b) tuned mass dampers, c) viscous dampers and d) metallic dampers. The model is subjected to real near-fault seismic records, thereby obtaining response parameters to evaluate the efficiency of each protective system. The response is evaluated not only in terms of reduction of displacements, but also in increasing of shear force in key elements, which is a negative characteristic of some of the systems studied. Advantages and disadvantages of each studied system are highlighted.