Application of Endurance Time Method in Seismic Analysis of Bridges

Abstract

In this paper, the application of Endurance Time method in seismic analysis of bridges is explained. The Endurance Time method is a novel seismic analysis method based on time history analysis in which a structure is subjected to a predefined intensifying acceleration function. First, six concrete bridges were modeled. Three Endurance Time acceleration functions were applied to the models and the average of the responses were calculated. Next, the time history analysis was conducted using seven real accelerograms scaled using the method recommended by FHWA 2006 to be compatible with the design spectrum of seismic AASHTO guideline for a site with soil type C in Berkeley, California. The average of the responses of these seven analyses is considered as reference. Scaling the mentioned accelerograms over a wide range of hazard levels, Incremental dynamic analysis is performed. Finally, the comparison of the response of ET and time history analysis and also comparison of ETA with IDA curves reveals good agreement. The major advantage of ET method over time history and IDA methods is less computational effort needed for the analysis. This saving in time is resulted due to the possibility of predicting response by fewer analyses despite maintaining the necessary accuracy.