Estimation of maximum load on bridge restrainers by weight-drop tests with large size weight

Abstract

Bridge restrainers should be installed to prevent bridge girders from slipping down from superior of piers when a large earthquake occurs. The design load is determined by only deadweight of the bridge girder. Also, collision velocity and cushioning effect of rubbers are not considered in the design load. Weight-drop tests are often conducted to evaluate experimentally the dynamic performance of bridge restrainers. However, the weights used in the tests are very small as compared with the weights of bridges. So, authors developed weight drop device with large masses, and researched the effects of the load response under large weight difference. As a result, it is presented peak loads are increased as rise of strain energy due to the increase the collision velocity and weight.