SIMPLIFIED ANALYSIS METHOD FOR SEISMIC RESPONSE OF CURVED BRIDGES

A simplified bridge model suitable for parametric study of curved highway bridges with stiffness eccentricity is presented. The proposed model is simple, yet it captures essential features that affect the dynamic response of curved bridges. Using this simplified model, formulas for computing earthquake response of curved bridges are presented and parameters that significantly influence the dynamic response of curved bridges are identified. The study indicates that the response of a given curved bridge depends on the radius of the curved bridges, width of the deck and central angle of the curved bridges. The calculated results of natural frequencies for the proposed bridge system are illustrated in tables and diagrams. These results can be employed in preliminary seismic design.