Effect of Elastomeric Bearings in Bridge Piers

Abstract

In this paper, the influence of elastomeric bearings is investigated in terms of seismic responses and presented under effects of severe ground motions. For this purpose, seismic performance of an isolated pier system is analytically studied by using time history analyses. The isolation system is assembled by elastomeric bearings composed of rubber layers and steel-shims. The bearings are located between pier-top ends and box-girder of the bridge deck. Seismic solutions are obtained for isolated system and non-isolated pier system known as rigid connection. Time-dependent response quantities are obtained in transverse direction for two strong quakes. Additionally, nonlinear static procedure is carried out to obtain lateral seismic capacity. Thus, the displacement and shear force capacity are determined for the considered pier systems. Seismic responses are comparatively presented in terms of superstructure and base response values. Thanks to the isolation system, the bearings have yielded lower peak displacements and base responses with seismic demand as well. On the other hand, higher seismic capacity has been obtained in case of isolation system and the results are presented by computed lateral capacity curves. The results show that the elastomeric bearing is an effective tool in lateral strength and modal behavior of the pier system as well.