INFLUENCES OF FONDATION AND SUPERSTRUCTURES ON SEISMIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF EXISTING STEEL BRIDGE FRAME PIERS WITH CIRCULUR COLUMNS

Abstract

 In order to grasp effects of foundation and superstructures on seismic behavior of existing steel bridge frame piers, frequency analysis and elasto-plastic FEM earthquake response analysis by considering foundation or superstructures in the FEM models were carried out. Based on the author' previous research, a 2-story type frame pier was used as object frame piers. As a result, effects of foundation on seismic behavior in the transverse direction of the 2-story frame pier were not so significant after applying concrete filling. Moreover, effects of superstructures on seismic behavior in the longitudinal direction of the 2-story frame pier were beneficial. However, their effects on the seismic behavior in the transverse direction are not so significant. Thus, seismic performance of existing frame piers can be applicably evaluated by seismic performance evaluation in the transverse direction.