Response Modeling of Scoured Bridges under Near-Fault Ground Motions

Abstract

This paper identifies near-fault pulse and non-pulse like ground motions based on the relative energy of velocity pulse and the peak velocity of pulse. An ANOVA analysis is performed to distinguish between main characteristics of pulse and nonpulse like ground motions, suggesting that the PGV-to-PGA ratio, energy, and peak displacement of pulse like ground motions are greater than that of non-pulse like ground motions. This paper also investigates the response of a three-span continuous reinforced concrete bridge supported by pile foundations under near-fault pulse and non-pulse like ground motions. Numerical results indicate that near-fault pulse like ground motions generate stronger response than do near-fault non-pulse like ground motions. In addition, this paper finds that scour depth have great influence on the response of the structure. Finally, based on statistical analysis, this paper proposes an efficient parameter which performs better in reflecting the structural response to nearfault pulse like ground motions.