New Bridge Model Considers Both Earthquake and Traffic Effects

Posted: Oct 1, 2019

In traditional seismic analyses of bridges, traffic is typically ignored, but the reality is that bridges experiencing earthquakes will likely have normal traffic on them. MPC researchers at Colorado State University developed an analytic method of modeling the response of complex bridges to seismic events while they are under traffic load. In particular, the simulation approach they developed considers the entire bridge-traffic system for skewed and curved bridges that are commonly used in highway designs. This more accurate and efficient approach will assist bridge designers and planners design safer bridges that are more resilient under the complex combined forces of earthquakes and traffic loads.

Suren Chen, Ph.D.
Colorado State University

Analytical Modeling of Seismic Performance of Curved and Skewed Bridges
MPC-19-395