Damage of bridges in 2008 Wenchuan, China earthquake

Abstract

The present paper shows a recconnance report on the damage of bridges due to 2008 Wenchuan, China earthquake. Site investigation was conducted by the authors on August 10-14, 2008. Presented are damage of thirteen bridges as well as possible damage mechanism. Characteristics of three near-field ground accelerations and Chinese practice on seismic design of bridges are also presented. It is found from the damage investigation that insufficient intensity of seismic design force, inadequate structural detailing for enhancing the ductility capacity and absent of unseating prevention devices resulted in the destructive damage of bridges.