EFFECT OF PLASTIC DEFORMATION OF BEARING STOPPERS ON SEISMIC RESPONSE BEHAVIOR OF BRIDGE

Abstract

 By considering bearing stoppers of bridge, seismic response behaviors of girder bridge in the transverse direction are examined through numerical calculations. Investigated in the analysis are influences of different clearances of bearings on the same line, yield strength of the stopper, and input seismic waves on deformation and reaction force of the stoppers. Calculation results revealed that plastic deformation of the stoppers effectively mitigates these influences and provides the similar reaction force distribution to each stopper. A design method considering plastic deformation of the bearing stoppers will be a possible approach to secure bridge safety against seismic motion exceeding the level assumed in design.