Citation

Yu Y, Symans M, McLean D, Cofer W. Transp. Res. Rec. 1999; 1688: 163-172.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.3141/1688-19

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Several analytical tools are available for assessing the seismic vulnerability of existing bridges. Each approach incorporates different assumptions and varies in complexity of application. As a result, selection of the most appropriate method for a given situation is often not clear. To aid in the selection process, four analysis methods for assessing seismic response are evaluated: linear elastic analysis, inelastic pushover analysis, capacity spectrum analysis, and nonlinear dynamic time history analysis. The four analysis methods are used in a limited study to determine the seismic response of two existing highway bridges under three different seismic ground motion conditions. The results of the analyses are used to evaluate the advantages, limitations, and ease of application of each approach for seismic analysis. Each method is shown to have merits and deficiencies that should be considered when selecting a seismic assessment method for a particular bridge structure.