General Requirements

3.1 Applicability of guide specifications

for conventional bridges

critical/essential bridges are not specifically addresses in this code (see definiton in the code)

No detailed seismic structural analysis should be required for any bridge in SDC A

3.2 Performance Criteria

Bridges shall be designed for the life safety performance objectives considering a seismic hazard corresponding to 7% p.e.in 75 yrs

Life safety for the design event shall be taken to imply that the bridge has a low probability of
collapse but may suffer significant damage and that significant disruption to service is possible.
Partial of complete replacement may be required.

Allowable displacements are constrained by geometric, structural and geotechnical considerations.

The most restrictive of these constraints will govern displacement capacity.
The extent of allowable displacements depends on the desired performance level of the bridge design.
(Please read more in AASTHO guide specifications)

3.3 Earthquake resisting systems requirements for SDC C and SDC D

For SDC C and D, all bridges and foundations shall have a clearly identifiable ERS selected to achieve life safety criteria.
For SDC B, identification of ERS is not considered.
(read ERS requirements from the manual)

Global Seismic Design Strategies Type 1 (preferred)

ERS and earthquake resisting elements Permissible

shall be categorised as follows: Permissible with owner's approval
Not recommended for new bridges

Bridges are seismically designed so that inelastic deformation (damage) intentionally occurs
in the column so that the damage can be readily inspected and repaired after an earthquake.
Capacity design procedures are used to prevent damage from occuring in foundations and beams
of bents and in the connections of column to foundations and columns to the superstructure.

Permissible ERS

Permissible ERE

3.4 Seismic Ground Shaking Hazard

Shall be characterised using an acceleration response spectrum.

Acceleration Response Spectrum shall be determined using
1. General Procedures 2. Site Specific Procedures

From Seismic Hazard Map Site Class C

PGA 0.2 Fpga 1.2
SS 0.5 Fa 1.2
S1 0.2 Fv 1.6

As 0.24 Period of Vibration, T(sec) 0.25

Design Response Spectral
S DS 0.6 T0 0.11 Acceleration Coefficient, Sa 0.6
S D1 0.32 Ts 0.53

3.5 Selection of Seismic Design Category (SDC)

Each Bridge shall be assigned to one of the four Seismic Design Categories(SDC), A thorugh D,
based on 1 sec period deisgn spectral acceleration for the design earthquake.
If liquefaction-induced lateral spreading of slope failure that may impact the stability of the
bridge could occur, the bridge should be designed in accordance with SDC D, regardless of the
magnitude of SD1

Is liquefaction lateral spreading an issue? No

Seismic Design Category D

3.6 Temporary and Staged Construction

For temperory or partially constructed bridges

3.7 Load and Resistance Factor

Use load factor 1 for all permanent loads. Unless otherwise
noted, all f factors shall be taken as 1.0
 Analysis and Design Requirements

4.1 General
Requirement of this chapter shall control the selection and method of seismic analysis and design of structure.