Title: Performance of Reinforced Concrete Bridges in January 1995 Hyogoken Nanbu (Kobe) Earthquake

Author(s): A. W. Taylor

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 187

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 57-68

Keywords: bridges; building codes; building technology; earthquake engineering; failure investigations; reinforced concrete; seismic design

DOI: 10.14359/5594

Date: 6/1/1999

Abstract:
The January 17, 1995 Hyogoken-Nanbu earthquake severely damaged highway bridges throughout the Kobe area. Most of the damaged bridges were of older construction (20 to 30 years old), but some modern bridges were also damaged. This appear reports on the seismic response of three representative bridges with reinforced concrete (RC) substructures. Two of these bridges had RC superstructures, and one had a steel superstructure. Reasons for the damage are discussed, and lessons which may be applicable to RC bridge design in the United States are outlined.