MPC Improving Predictions of Combined Bridge and Traffic Responses to Earthquakes
Posted: Sep 2, 2019
Existing bridge seismic analyses examine the inertial forces applied on bridge structures during earthquakes, but do not fully consider the interaction between earthquake motions, bridges and the traffic on those bridges. Long-span bridges often carry a significant amount of traffic and many vehicles are likely to be present when an earthquake strikes. MPC researchers at Colorado State University developed an analysis technique that can incorporate the coupled earthquake forces on both the bridge and vehicles. The proposed methodology was numerically demonstrated on a prototype long-span bridge and traffic system under various earthquake conditions. This new analytical approach offers a new method to more accurately predict bridge seismic responses. As a result, future bridge seismic responses can be predicted more rationally to improve bridge designs.
Existing bridge seismic analyses examine the inertial forces applied on bridge structures during earthquakes, but do not fully consider the interaction between earthquake motions, bridges and the traffic on those bridges. Long-span bridges often carry a significant amount of traffic and many vehicles are likely to be present when an earthquake strikes. MPC researchers at Colorado State University developed an analysis technique that can incorporate the coupled earthquake forces on both the bridge and vehicles. The proposed methodology was numerically demonstrated on a prototype long-span bridge and traffic system under various earthquake conditions. This new analytical approach offers a new method to more accurately predict bridge seismic responses. As a result, future bridge seismic responses can be predicted more rationally to improve bridge designs.