Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Piers under Low to Moderate Seismic Induced Loads

Two existing highway bridges in a low seismic area in Eastern U.S. are studied for seismic assessment. Transverse reinforcement spacing and detailing do not satisfy the ۱۹۹۶ AASHTO seismic design specifications. Transverse response of selected two column bents under the action of Nahanni and El Centro earthquakes scaled to ۰.۱۵g show the level of lateral force demand to be significantly below yield level. Preliminary seismic assessment based on pier analysis is presented.