Abstract
This study addresses how the non-linear relative bridge girder-pier displacements as well as the relative displacements between the adjacent bridge girders affect damage potential of multi-span bridge structures. Spatial non-uniform ground excitations at the adjacent bridge piers are simulated stochastically based on Japanese design spectrum for a hard-soil site. The study reveals that commonly assumed girder stiffness for the end restraint overestimates the actual effective end-restraint stiffness. The end restraints can reduce the activated forces in the non-linear bridge structures. A consideration of non-uniform ground excitation is essential for a realistic estimation of bridge responses and damage potential.
