Modal Pushover Analysis Method in Transverse Direction of Multi span Continuous Bridges

Abstract:

Modal pushover analysis method in transverse direction of multi span continuous bridges is studied for seismic performance evaluation of bridges in preliminary design stage. Moreover, effects of near optimal piecewise linear fits and FEMA356 fits in modal pushover analyses are compared. Modal pushover analyses with the two fits and nonlinear time history analysis of 3 continuous units of a constructing bridge are conducted. The conclusions are drawn that the modal pushover analysis method reasonably predicts the seismic performance of multi span continuous bridges; no obvious advantages of near optimal piecewise linear fits are shown in comparison with FEMA356 fits.