Abstract
The reduction of inertial seismic forces in long bridges, whose decks are mainly supported on piers through bearings, is a major challenge, given the fact that codes require seismic design of these systems using a behaviour factor q equal to 1. The objective of this paper is the investigation of the feasibility of reducing inertial forces through the development of appropriately configured and reinforced abutment backwalls, which play the role of “yielding” stoppers for seismic action in the longitudinal direction. The reduction of inertial forces contributes to a more economical design of piers, foundations, bearings and terminal joints of the bridge, without reducing the safety requirements.
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