Managing seismic performance of highway bridges – evolution in experimental research

Abstract

The utilisation of experimental testing data to understand and improve the seismic performance of bridge structures is relatively new. Fifty-two years ago at a meeting of world experts and researchers of earthquake engineering, field observation was the only assessment technique that was discussed with respect to verification of design in physical structures, and laboratory tests were not included in the article. This article shows the evolution in seismic experimental studies and how it was triggered by the 1971 San Fernando Earthquake. Different aspects and examples of component, subsystem, and system testing are discussed. An overview of the seismic retrofit methods and a few examples of seismic repair methods are presented. A discussion of the utilisation of innovative materials such as shape memory alloys to improve the seismic performance and serviceability of bridges after strong earthquakes is also presented.