Parametric Simulation of Nonlinear Shear Key Behavior on the Seismic Response on Bridge Abutments

Abstract

The effects of a phenomenological non-linear model for transverse bridge abutment shear keys on the dynamic response of a typical reinforced concrete bridge are investigated. The dynamic response of bridge structures modeled with a fully linear model, based on the current California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Seismic Design Criteria (SDC), are compared to analysis results which incorporate a non-linear ductile model for the transverse abutment shear key. Various bridge geometries are considered to determine which common design parameters affect the accuracy of the current linear models used in design. In each case, the linear and non-linear models are subject to a suite of 80 ground acceleration time histories and the maximum lateral bent deformations are compared. The results suggest that the linear model currently used in analysis and design of California bridges is, in general, conservative across a wide range of configurations and fundamental periods of vibration (0.5s – 1.4s). Column dis...