Soil Structure Interaction Effects on Pushover Analysis of Short Span RC Bridges

Abstract

A three dimensional finite element of nonlinear pushover analysis for short span Reinforced Concrete (RC) bridge with circular piers cross section is modeling to present effects of soil structural interaction (SSI). Structural elements models are including linear foundation springs modeling, and nonlinear RC piers modeling. The paper succeeded to present the SSI effects of nonlinear pushover analysis of short spans RC bridges to determine the significant effects on dynamic characteristics and displacement capacity of short span RC bridges performance; that is increasing within range 11% to 20% compared to baseline pushover analysis of bridge without SSI effects. Results show the bridge stiffness decreases due to SSI effects on the bridge support for more flexible soils types that generates large displacement, with corresponding less base shear in bridge piers and footings by average percentage 12% and 18%, which is important for structural evaluation for new bridge construction and also, for strengthening and repair works evaluation of existing bridges.