Principal Investigator(s) and
Institution(s)
Ian G. Buckle and Michael Constantinou, University at Buffalo
Objective
This task will develop an interim manual for the design and retrofit of highway bridges
using seismic isolators, energy dissipaters (passive control), and other earthquake
protective systems. This manual will be a clear, concise, and authoritative guide on the
design and application of these new technologies to bridges.
Approach
Earthquake protective systems are now widely used as an alternative to conventional
seismic design of buildings, bridges, and industrial plants. Guideline specifications have
been developed for their use (particularly for buildings) and monographs written
summarizing research developments in the field. But, to date, there are few if any
textbooks on this subject intended for the general practitioner and those known to exist
focus on building applications. This task will review the literature and develop a manual
for bridge design engineers who have little or no knowledge of the theory or practice of
protective systems. It will draw from many sources both published and unpublished, such as
the lecture notes given to graduate classes by both Principal Investigators. To the extent
possible, the material will be independent of proprietary bias.
This interim manual will reflect current practice and recent developments, and focus on
seismic isolation and energy dissipation. In this regard, it will be fully compatible with
the 1997 2nd edition of the AASHTO Guide Specifications for Seismic
Isolation Design. An interim manual will be developed in Years 1 and 2, and a final
version of the manual will be prepared under a separate task in Years 5 and 6. The final
version will update the interim manual, based on research conducted under this project and
elsewhere. The content may also be expanded to include hybrid protective systems and
intelligent bearings, if these technologies are sufficiently advanced for practical bridge
applications at that time.
Anticipated Start Date and Duration
January 1, 1999 - 24 months
9/24/99 |