Abstract
In this paper, a risk-based multiobjective optimal seismic design method for reinforced concrete (RC) piers is proposed. This method is used to determine the size and reinforcement ratios of piers to minimize the seismic risk of bridge systems and the construction cost of piers. The Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research- (PEER-) based probabilistic seismic risk assessment approach and the response surface method (RSM) are adopted to develop the seismic risk response surface model, which represents the relationship between the design parameters of piers and the seismic risk of bridge systems. The Pareto optimal solutions of piers are determined by applying an improved version of the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). As a case study, the proposed optimal seismic design method is applied to a continuous concrete box girder bridge. The optimal design schemes of piers according to two strategies are determined from the Pareto optimal solutions. The results show that the seismic risk response surface model can be used to accurately describe the relationship between the design parameters of piers and the seismic risk of bridge systems. The case study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed optimal seismic design method. The analysis of the Pareto optimal solutions allows designers to more rationally conduct the seismic design of piers.
Highlights
Bridges are important components of lifeline systems
Piers are one of the most crucial components of bridge systems. ey need to support the superstructure, and they experience the seismic load from the superstructure to the foundation
E Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center proposed the probabilistic seismic risk analysis framework based on performance-based seismic design (PBSD) using the total probability theorem [9]
Summary
Bridges are important components of lifeline systems. Seismic damage of bridges may cause traffic disruption, entailing considerable social impacts and economic losses. E Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center proposed the probabilistic seismic risk analysis framework based on PBSD using the total probability theorem [9]. In this framework, nonlinear time history analysis can be adopted to obtain higher precision seismic responses. The PEER-based seismic risk analysis framework is mainly applied to the seismic performance assessment of bridges [10,11,12,13,14]; few studies have applied it to the optimal seismic design of RC piers. A risk-based multiobjective optimization seismic design method for RC piers is proposed. A continuous concrete box girder bridge is used as a case study and the optimal schemes of piers are determined using the proposed method
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