Seismic Vulnerability of Bridges in Colombia and Rehabilitation Strategies

A general diagnosis is presented on the seismic vulnerability of bridges of the main public road network in Colombia based on approximate evaluations and inspection of bridges. For the bridges identified as critical, a methodology is proposed to carry a detailed evaluation of seismic vulnerability considering simultaneously the live load capacity of the structure and the residual useful life of the bridge. The methodology includes the compilation of information (structural, geotechnical and foundation details), the evaluation of the properties of materials of the main structure, the evaluation of the behavior and characteristics of the bridge such as deflections and internal forces on elements under known loads, and registration and interpretation of environmental and forced vibrations. Based on the information the evaluation of seismic vulnerability of the bridge is established through capacity/demand ratios for the different elements and possible types of failure of the structure. General criteria are established to define intervention alternatives. Two case studies are presented of the proposed methodology for bridges of the public road network of Colombia.