Enhancing Performance-Based Bridge Seismic Design with Seismic Performance Testing

Abstract

Introducing performance-based criteria to bridge seismic design increases the demand for seismic performance testing results that can be compared with each other to provide critical information used in the design. The current practice of seismic performance testing of bridge piers employs diverse testing conditions. Some variations result from a lack of consensus-based testing guidance. Such unnecessary variation impedes the data comparison with other research and the reliable engineering application of testing results. Current problems and resolutions found in an FHWA study on seismic performance testing methodologies of bridge piers are reported. A brief preview of the guidance document for seismic performance testing of bridge piers that is produced in this study is given. Information on specimen preparation, loading, and the documentation of bridge pier seismic performance testing is provided. This document is intended for use with both scientific experiment and engineering validations. Elaborate desc...