The Study of Aseismatic Performance of Continuous Rigid-Frame Bridge

Abstract

The aseismatic performance of long span continuous rigid-frame bridge is an important but difficult research topic. To explore the impact of pier height and reinforcement ratio on long span continuous rigid-frame bridge’s aseismatic performance, Midas/Civil bridge Finite Element program is used to construct the three-dimensional model of a continuous rigid-frame bridge in this research. Fiber element and plastic hinge are used in pier simulation. Through the adjustment of pier height and ratio of reinforcement, the internal force, displacement and plastic rotation of bridge pier’s critical sections are analyzed under the action of seismic loading. Thereby, the impact of pier height and plastic hinge on such bridge’s aseismatic performance is obtained. It is shown that: maximum displacement, bending moment and plastic rotation increase at pier cap with pier height, indicating that pier height has strong impact on seismic response. And with increasing reinforcement ratio, the bending moment and yielding moment at pier cap and base both increase. Therefore, suitable pier height and reinforcement ratio should be selected for better aseismatic performance.