Seismic design of South Brighton bridge

A decision against mechanical energy dissipators

Authors

  • M. J. N. Priestley University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
  • M. J. Stockwell Christchurch City Council, Christchurch, New Zealand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5459/bnzsee.11.2.110-120

Abstract

The seismic design of a proposed Christchurch bridge is discussed. Initial design was based on supporting the superstructure on elastomeric bearing pads and steel-cantilever dampers. Dynamic analyses showed that the dampers were relatively ineffective, and that the seismic response
was dictated by the characteristics of the bearing pads. Final design, based on a conventional ductile approach was found to be more economical without significant increase to seismic risk. It is shown that the decision to opt for a design incorporating mechanical energy dissipators as opposed to a monolithic pier/superstructure design will not necessarily result in a reduction in seismic response.

References

Stockwell, M. J., "Durham St. Overbridge, Christchurch". N.Z. Engineering, Vol. 30, No. 7, 1975 pp 200-206. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/ncl.1975.30.2.99p0347f

M.W.D., "Highway Bridge Design Brief”, Issue C, 1973. 51pp.

Skinner, R. I., McVerry, G. H., "Base-Isolation for Increased Earthquake Resistance of Buildings". Bull. N.Z. National Soc. for Earthquake Engineering, Vol. 8, No. 2, June 1975 pp 93-101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5459/bnzsee.8.2.93-101

Blakeley, R. W. G., "Prestressed Concrete Bridges Incorporating Mechanical Energy Dissipating Devices for Earthquake Resistance", M.W.D. Civil Div. Report, to be presented to F.I.P. Congress, London, May 1978.

Sharpe, R. D. , "The Seismic Response of Inelastic Structures", Ph.D Thesis , Dept. of Civil Eng., Univ. Canterbury, Res. Rep. No. 74-13, Nov. 1974, 126pp.

Smith, W. D., "Statistical Estimates of the Likelihood of Earthquake Shaking Throughout New Zealand", Bull. N.Z. National Soc. for Earthquake Engineering, Vol. 9, No. 4, Dec. 1976, pp 213-221. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5459/bnzsee.9.4.213-221

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Published

30-06-1978

How to Cite

Priestley, M. J. N., & Stockwell, M. J. (1978). Seismic design of South Brighton bridge: A decision against mechanical energy dissipators. Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering, 11(2), 110–120. https://doi.org/10.5459/bnzsee.11.2.110-120

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