Soil-Structure Interaction on the Dynamic Response of Bridge Piers

Abstract

The paper analyses the effect of Soil-Structure-Interaction (SSI) on the modal dynamic response of simply-supported span girder bridge with wall piers founded on caissons. A parametric analysis has been carried out in the hypothesis of linear elastic behaviour of all materials (soil and structure) to identify the influence of various design factors, such as the height of the pier, the caisson embedment below the ground level and the soil mechanical properties. The goal of the paper is to highlight SSI effects on the dynamic behaviour of bridges. This is a crucial aspect to be accounted for in order to support monitoring activities on bridges, aimed to structural identification or assessment of structure response under serviceability conditions, or also to have preliminary information for the seismic analysis of the bridge.