Cost assessment of isolation technique applied to a benchmark bridge with soil structure interaction

Abstract

Bridges are lifeline structures acting as an important link in surface transportation network and their collapse under seismic excitations affects social and civil functionality. Historical bridge seismic collapses under earthquake actions have proved the significant role of soil structure interaction. The paper aims at evaluating bridge protection and seismic strengthening applying isolation technique. It is based on the application of a Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering methodology, introduced by the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center. The study presents a representative two—span bridge with several isolated configurations as affected by soil deformability. Isolation technique contribution is assessed in terms of costs quantities with peak ground acceleration levels. The study can be considered a first attempt to evaluate seismic effects of SSI by taking into account economic performance.