Seismic performance of continuous girder bridges using cable-sliding friction aseismic bearing

Abstract

This paper reports on the study of the performance of a new seismic control device named as cable-sliding friction aseismic bearing (CSFAB), which combines a conventional aseismic bearing with restrainer cables to dissipate earthquake energy and at the same time to control the displacement of girder to an acceptable value. A two-dimensional long-span continuous girder bridge model was developed and analyzed in the study. Considering the influence of different site conditions, the model was subjected to three historic ground motion records applied to different (A,B,C,D) site conditions specified in the USGS site classification. Compared with conventional aseismic bearing, the effectiveness of the CSFAB in controlling the girder displacement and limiting the shear force and bending moment demands on the bridge piers was assessed. Furthermore, study considering different fixed pier heights was conducted and the results showed that with the decrease of height or increase in stiffness of piers, CSFAB was to be more effective.