Detailed Seismic Evaluation of Bridges on and over the Parkways In Western Kentucky

Abstract

This report outlines a rating system and details an evaluation procedure for the seismic evaluation of highway bridges. These processes are later used to investigate the structural integrity of selected highway bridges on and over the parkways in Western Kentucky. A total of 349 bridges were rated with the bridge ranking system, and 17 were selected for detailed seismic evaluation. The capacity/demand ratio method developed by the Federal Highway Administration is employed for the detailed evaluation of bridges. The evaluation involves creating three-dimensional finite element models for all 17 bridges. Dynamic analysis is performed for a projected 250-year event. Among the four components required for proper evaluation, only expansion joints and bearings, and columns and footings were investigated. The evaluating results indicate that the rating system is an effective means in determining and prioritizing highway bridges for seismic evaluation and retrofit processes. The different forms of deficiencies of the bridges are presented herein.