Design ground motions for seismic retrofit evaluation of large bridges in the Eastern U.S.

ABSTRACT

Beginning in the mid 1990's, the first seismic retrofit evaluation projects were carried out for large highway bridges in the eastern U.S. We summarize experiences gained from these projects. A major findings is, that while the seismicity rates are often low, and the seismic hazard is moderate, the seismic risk potential can be high in large cities with a large stock of aged structural inventory.First results indicate that retrofit of some portions of some of the investigated bridges would be desirable in order to meet considered seismic perfomance criteria.(AU)