Testing of bridges with isolation/dissipation devices at the ELSA Laboratory

ABSTRACT

Large.sacle pseudo-dynamic (PsD) tests on seismically isolated bridges were recently carried out at the ELSA Laboratory. Two alternative solutions were adopted, one solution with isolation/dissipation (I/D) devices over the abutments and over all piers, and another solution with I/D devices over the central short pier only, where the demands concentrated for the conventionally designed structure. The main aim of the test campaign was to assess the seismic perfomance of two isolation schemes for irregular bridges against the behavior of geometrically similar ones designed following the classical strength reduction factor approach.(AU)