Effect of elasto-plastic shear springs on increasing the seismic safety of a half-through type reinforced arch bridge

Abstract

This paper presents the results of nonlinear time history response analysis for a half-through type reinforced concrete arch bridge using three-dimensional analytical model. Eight different analytical models with elasto-plastic shear springs in longitudinal, transverse or vertical direction between lower cross beam and main girder, or between end of main girder and abutment are analyzed to investigate the efficient location of shear springs. Numerical results clarify that the model with shear springs in both longitudinal and transverse direction at end of girder is most effective to increase the seismic safety.