Title: Use of Energy Dissipating Systems for Improving Seismic Performance of Gavin Canyon Undercrossing

Author(s): M. Q. Feng

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 187

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 327-344

Keywords: bridges; damper; energy dissipation; expansion joint; hinges; seismic response.

DOI: 10.14359/5605

Date: 6/1/1999

Abstract:
The partial collapse of the bridge superstructure due to the inadequate seat width of expansion joints at the Gavin Canyon Undercrossing during the 1994 Northridge earthquake was investigated through numerical simulation of the bridge motion under three-dimensional ground excitations. The bridge consists of five spans with two highly skewed expansion joints, at which restrainer cables were installed for the seismic retrofit purpose after the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. In order to compensate for the ineffectiveness of the cables in absorbing seismic energy, energy dissipation systems were introduced at the expansion joints in this study. The effectiveness of different energy dissipation systems including friction dampers and yielding steel plates in reducing the relative displacements at the expansion joints without significantly increasing the seismic forces on the bridge substructures is demonstrated.