Seismic mitigation of bridges using smart restrainers

Reginald DesRoches

doi:10.1117/12.348668

18 May 1999 Seismic mitigation of bridges using smart restrainers

Reginald DesRoches

Proceedings Volume 3671, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Smart Systems for Bridges, Structures, and Highways; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.348668
Event: 1999 Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1999, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

Recent earthquakes in the US and Japan have highlighted the vulnerability of bridges to collapse due to excessive movement at the hinges as a result of bearing and restrainer failure. Conventional hinge restrainers used in the US and Japan do not provide adequate protection from unseating, which can lead to collapse of bridges. This paper investigates the efficacy of using 'smart restrainers' to reduce the seismic vulnerability of bridges. The use of shape memory alloy devices as replacements for conventional restrainers are investigated as a method of improving the seismic response of bridges. Analytical studies show that these deices, used as passive dampers, are effective in both limiting the relative displacement between frames, and reducing the negative effects of pounding of bridge decks. In addition, by concentrating damage and energy dissipation in controlled locations, these devices can be used to reduce the demand on individual frames in multiple-frame bridges. Comparisons with conventional restrainers show that the 'smart restrainers' are more effective for a wide range of ground motions and bridge types than current restrainers.

Citation Download Citation

Reginald DesRoches "Seismic mitigation of bridges using smart restrainers", Proc. SPIE 3671, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Smart Systems for Bridges, Structures, and Highways, (18 May 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.348668

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available