Seismic assessment of existing reinforced-concrete arch bridges

Abstract

A new seismic assessment procedure for arch bridges is presented in the paper. The linear response spectrum analysis and the nonlinear static pushover methods are combined in this procedure through various assessment levels and appropriate checks. Guidelines for collecting arch-bridge data needed to reach the required level of knowledge on structural properties are proposed. Criteria for seismic assessment, such as the required participation of effective modal masses, adequate stiffness distribution of spandrel columns, and determination of reference point for forming capacity curves, are improved and adjusted for arch bridges.