Seismic Performance of a Four-Decade-Old Overpass in Southeast Idaho
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 28, Issue 4
Abstract
Following major earthquakes in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, changes were made to the structural seismic design codes. Structures constructed prior to these revisions need to be evaluated for seismic vulnerability. The US-89 Overpass in Montpelier, Idaho, built in 1971, is the subject of this study. The current seismic design guides were used in conjunction with Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (OpenSees), an advanced finite element computer modeling program, to perform nonlinear analyses of the bridge structure under four displacement time histories. The results show failure of the elements that restrain the lateral movement of the bridge deck. However, the lateral relative displacement between the superstructure and the top of the piers reach a maximum of 11.2 cm (4.4 in.), which is not enough to remove the superstructure from the 1.8 m (6 ft) wide seat. The work presented herein enhances seismic analysis capabilities for existing Idaho bridges and provides valuable information regarding this particular overpass.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to acknowledge the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for funding the research assistantship by which this work was completed. Other individuals and institutions were involved in portions of this research. ITD provided information on the US-89 Overpass. Several professionals at INL shared their knowledge and expertise on the seismic activity of Southeast Idaho. The faculty and student interns of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Idaho State University participated on different stages throughout this research for which we are very thankful.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 28 • Issue 4 • August 2014
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 21, 2013
Accepted: Jun 11, 2013
Published online: Jun 13, 2013
Published in print: Aug 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Oct 27, 2014
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