• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2007.04a
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• pp.795-800
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• 2007

In the previous study, a simple but effective analysis procedure, named as an Improved Modal Pushover Analysis (IMPA) was proposed to estimates the seismic capacities of multi-span continuous bridge structures, on the basis of the modal pushover analysis which considers all the dynamic modes of a structure. Differently from other previous studies, IMPA maintains the simplicity of the capacity-demand curve method and also gives a better estimation of the maximum dynamic response of a structure. Nevertheless, its applicability has never been approved for multi-span continuous bridges with large differences in the length of their adjacent piers. This paper, accordingly, concentrates on a parametric study to verify the efficiency and limitation in application of IMPA through a correlation study between various analytical models including the Equivalent Single Degree Of Freedom (ESDOF) and Modal Pushover Analysis (MPA) usually used in the seismic design of structures. Based on the obtained numerical results, this paper introduces a practical guidance and/or limitation for using IMPA to predict the seismic response of a bridge effectively.

• Journal of Korean Association for Spatial Structures
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• v.4 no.1 s.11
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• pp.49-59
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• 2004

A previous study evaluated the seismic response of typical multi-span simply supported (MSSS) and multi-span continuous (MSC) steel-girder bridges in the central and southeastern United States. The results showed that the bridges were vulnerable to damage resulting from impact between decks, and large ductility demands on nonductile columns. Furthermore, fixed and expansion bearings were likely to fail during strong ground motion. In this paper, several retrofit measures to improve the seismic performance of typical multi-span simply supported and multi-span continuous steel girder bridges are evaluated, including the use of elastomeric bearings, lead-rubber bearings, and restrainer cables. It is determined that iead-rubber bearings are the most effective retrofit measure for reducing the seismic vulnerability of typical bridges. While isolation provided by elastomeric bearings limits the forces into the columns, the added flexibility results in pounding between decks in the MSSS steel-girder bridge. Restrainer cables, which are becoming a common retrofit measure, are only moderately effective in reducing the seismic vulnerability of MSSS and MSC steel girder bridges.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.26 no.3A
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• pp.497-512
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• 2006

In this paper, a simple but effective analysis procedure to estimate seismic capacities of multi-span continuous bridge structures is proposed on the basis of modal pushover analysis considering all the dynamic modes of structure. Unlike previous studies, the proposed method eliminates the coupling effects induced from the direct application of modal decomposition by introducing an identical stiffness ratio and an approximate elastic deformed shape. Moreover, in addition to these two introductions, the use of an appropriate distributed load {P} makes it possible to predict the dynamic responses for all kinds of bridge structures through a simpler analysis procedure. Finally, in order to establish the validity and applicability of the proposed method, correlation studies between rigorous nonlinear time history analysis and the proposed method are conducted for multi-span continuous bridges.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.387-402
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• 2003

In the past decades, much effort has been made towards the study of single-mode-based vibration controls with dynamic energy absorbers such as single or multiple Tuned Mass Dampers(TMDs). With the increase of bridge span length and the tendency of the bridge cross-section being more slender and streamlined, multi-mode coupled vibrations as well as their controls have become very important for large bridges susceptible to strong winds. As a simple but effective device, the TMD system especially the semi-active one has become a promising option for such coupled vibration controls. However, despite various studies of optimal controls of single-mode-based vibrations with TMDs, research on the corresponding controls of the multi-mode coupled vibrations is very rare so far. For the development of a semi-active control strategy to suppress the multi-mode coupled vibrations, a comprehensive parametric analysis on the optimal variables of this control is substantial. In the present study, a multi-mode control strategy named "three-row" TMD system is discussed and the general numerical equations are developed at first. Then a parametric study on the optimal control variables for the "three-row" TMD system is conducted for a prototype Humen Suspension Bridge, through which some useful information and a better understanding of the optimal control variables to suppress the coupled vibrations are obtained. This information lays a foundation for the design of semi-active control.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2023

To evaluate the wind shielding effect of bridge towers with multiple limbs on high-speed trains, a wind tunnel test was conducted to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of vehicles traversing multi-limb towers, which represented a combination of the steady aerodynamic coefficient of the vehicle-bridge system and wind environment around the tower. Subsequently, the analysis model of wind-vehicle-bridge (WVB) system considering the additional moments caused by lift and drag forces under nonuniform wind was proposed, and the reliability and accuracy of the proposed model of WVB system were verified using another model. Finally, the factors influencing the wind shielding effect of multi-limb towers were analyzed. The results indicate that the wind speed distributions along the span exhibit two sudden changes, and the wind speed generally decreases with increasing wind direction angle. The pitching and yawing accelerations of vehicles under nonuniform wind loads significantly increase due to the additional pitching and yawing moments. The sudden change values of the lateral and yawing accelerations caused by the wind shielding effect of multi-limb tower are 0.43 m/s² and 0.11 rad/s² within 0.4 s, respectively. The results indicate that the wind shielding effect of a multi-limb tower is the controlling factor in WVB systems.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.333-347
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• 2014

Multi-scale model can take both computational efficiency and accuracy into consideration when it is used to conduct elasto-plastic seismic response analysis for complex steel bridges. This paper proposed a method based on pushover analysis of member sharing the same section pattern to verify the accuracy of multi-scale model. A deck-through type steel arch bridge with a span length of 200m was employed for seismic response analysis using multi-scale model and fiber model respectively, the validity and necessity of elasto-plastic seismic analysis for steel bridge by multi-scale model was then verified. The results show that the convergence of load-displacement curves obtained from pushover analysis for members having the same section pattern can be used as a proof of the accuracy of multi-scale model. It is noted that the computational precision of multi-scale model can be guaranteed when length of shell element segment is 1.40 times longer than the width of section where was in compression status. Fiber model can only be used for the predictions of the global deformations and the approximate positions of plastic areas on steel structures. However, it cannot give exact prediction on the distribution of plastic areas and the degree of the plasticity.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.215-238
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• 2009

This paper introduces an improved modal pushover analysis (IMPA) which can effectively evaluate the seismic response of multi-span continuous bridge structures on the basis of modal pushover analysis (MPA). Differently from previous modal pushover analyses which cause the numerical unstability because of the occurrence of reversed relation between the pushover load and displacement, the proposed method eliminates this numerical instability and, in advance the coupling effects induced from the direct application of modal decomposition by introducing an identical stiffness ratio for each dynamic mode at the post-yielding stage together with an approximate elastic deformation. In addition to these two introductions, the use of an effective seismic load, calculated from the modal spatial force and applied as the distributed load, makes it possible to predict the dynamic responses of all bridge structures through a simpler analysis procedure than those in conventional modal pushover analyses. Finally, in order to establish validity and applicability of the proposed method, correlation studies between a rigorous nonlinear time history analysis and the proposed method were conducted for multi-span continuous bridges.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.6 no.5_6
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• pp.579-593
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• 2010

Low-power radio frequency (RF) chip transceiver technology and the associated structural health monitoring platforms have matured recently to enable high-rate, lossless transmission of measurement data across large-scale sensor networks. The intrinsic value of these advanced capabilities is the allowance for high-quality, rapid operational modal analysis of in-service structures using distributed accelerometers to experimentally characterize the dynamic response. From the analysis afforded through these dynamic data sets, structural identification techniques can then be utilized to develop a well calibrated finite element (FE) model of the structure for baseline development, extended analytical structural evaluation, and load response assessment. This paper presents a case study in which operational modal analysis is performed on a three-span prestressed reinforced concrete bridge using a wireless sensor network. The low-power wireless platform deployed supported a high-rate, lossless transmission protocol enabling real-time remote acquisition of the vibration response as recorded by twenty-nine accelerometers at a 256 Sps sampling rate. Several instrumentation layouts were utilized to assess the global multi-span response using a stationary sensor array as well as the spatially refined response of a single span using roving sensors and reference-based techniques. Subsequent structural identification using FE modeling and iterative updating through comparison with the experimental analysis is then documented to demonstrate the inherent value in dynamic response measurement across structural systems using high-rate wireless sensor networks.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.37-51
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• 2000

Identification of damage location based on modal measurement is an important problem in structural health monitoring. The damage index method that attempts to evaluate the changes in modal strain energy distribution has been found to be effective under certain circumstances. In this paper two damage index methods using bending strain energy and shear strain energy have been evaluated for numerous cases at different locations and degrees of damage. The objective is to evaluate the feasibility of the damage index method to localize the damage on large span concrete bridge. Finite element models were used as the test structures. Finally this method was used to predict the damage location in an actual structure, using the results of a modal survey from a large concrete bridge.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.80 no.6
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• pp.749-765
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• 2021

Suspension bridges bear large eccentric live loads in rush hours when most vehicles travel in one direction on the left or right side of the bridge. With the increasing number and weight of vehicles and the girder widening, the eccentric live load effect on the bridge behavior, including bending and distortion of the main girder, gets more pronounced, even jeopardizing bridge safety. This study proposes an analytical algorithm based on multi-catenary theory for predicting the suspension bridge responses to eccentric live load via the nonlinear generalized reduced gradient method. A set of governing equations is derived to solve the following unknown values: the girder rigid-body displacement in the longitudinal direction; the horizontal projection lengths of main cable's segments; the parameters of catenary equations and horizontal forces of the side span cable segments and the leftmost segments of middle span cables; the suspender tensions and the bearing reactions. Then girder's responses, including rigid-body displacement in the longitudinal direction, deflections, and torsion angles; suspenders' responses, including the suspender tensions and the hanging point displacements; main cables' responses, including the horizontal forces of each segment; and the longitudinal displacement of the pylons' tower top under eccentric load can be calculated. The response of an exemplar suspension bridge with three spans of 168, 548, and 168 m is calculated by the proposed analytical method and the finite element method in two eccentric live load cases, and their results prove the former's feasibility. The nonuniform distribution of the live load in the lateral direction is shown to impose a greater threat to suspension bridge safety than that in the longitudinal direction, while some other specific features revealed by the proposed method are discussed in detail.