Seismic Design of Columns of Short Bridges Accounting for Embankment Flexibility

Abstract

Empirical observations and analysis of the recorded response of two California bridges indicate that the flexibility of the bridge embankments has a significant effect on the displacement demands sustained by the columns of short bridges under seismic excitation. Because the deck and abutments provide a capable load path, the columns only need to maintain gravity load support while accommodating the lateral displacement demands associated with the response of the embankments. This is in contrast to conventional