Safety-check method for continuous elevated-girder bridges supported by hollow steel piers subjected to multi-directional seismic accelerations

Abstract

Three types of safety-check methods are presented for the seismic design of elevated girder bridges supported by hollow steel piers subjected to multi-directional seismic accelerations. The first method completely ignores the load redistribution among the component members in bridge piers. This concept is widely adopted in the conventional design practice. The second method only considers the load redistribution among the columns of the statically indeterminate bridge piers. The third method fully considers the load-redistribution among the piers in the statically indeterminate bridge systems. Based on numerical examples, the safety margins ensured by the respective safety-check method were discussed.