Analysis of impact factors on seismic response of the upper building structure of RC beam-type covered bridge

• Published in: Structures (Oxford) Vol. 66; p. 106889
• Main Authors: Qiu, Wenhua, Wang, Kehai, Guo, Weizuo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Beam-type covered bridge; Building structure; Impact factor; Seismic response; Beam-type covered bridge; Impact factor; Seismic response; Building structure
• ISSN: 2352-0124; 2352-0124
• DOI: 10.1016/j.istruc.2024.106889

To comprehensively explore the various factors affecting the seismic response of the upper building structure of the reinforced concrete (RC) continuous beam-type covered bridge, the integrated finite element model was established using OpenSEES, and the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) method was employed in this study. The critical locations for potential damage to the upper building structure were identified, and the dominant factors determining these locations were thoroughly investigated. Recommendations for the seismic design of covered bridges were proposed and verified. The results revealed that the seismic response of the upper building frame structure of a beam-type covered bridge is significantly and intricately influenced by multiple factors, including the interaction between the building and bridge, the mechanical characteristics of the bearings, the structural properties of the building itself, and the overall structural attributes of the covered bridge. These impacts evolve with increasing seismic intensity and are typically not attributable to a single factor. It is recommended that three spherical steel bearings be arranged on each pier or abutment for the beam-type covered bridge and that uniform properties of the cross-sections of the upper building frame columns be ensured. The modified seismic designs can effectively mitigate the seismic response of frame structures during rare earthquakes. The factors that influence the seismic response of the upper building structure of the covered bridge can be extended to all continuous beam-type covered bridges of the same structural form. This can provide a reference for designing RC beam-type covered bridges.