Elaborate Modeling and Fragility Assessment of a Multiframe PC Box-Girder Bridge with Intermediate Hinges in California

Abstract

Multiframe PC box-girder bridge with intermediate hinges is a kind of bridge having complex structural characters, which is very quintessential in California. In this study, a typical bridge was adopted to establish a nonlinear dynamic model through OpenSees platform. Intermediate hinge and inhibiting devices in it were elaborately simulated. Meanwhile, pushover analysis was used to reinstate a specimen of column test, which has the similar ratio of reinforcement to the typical bridge, and the hysteretic model parameters of the longitudinal steels inside columns were obtained. The damage indexes of column and hinge, which are primary components, under different limit states were acquired by moment-curvature analysis. Taking into account the uncertainty, nonlinear time-history analysis of the bridge was carried out through a suite of synthetic ground motions. Subsequently, a probabilistic seismic demand model was developed, and fragility curves were further focused on. According to fragility assessment, the conclusion shows that columns and hinge restrainers exhibit high fragility, and bridge system fragility is gradually determined by column fragility along with aggravating of the damage state. Unseating of girder can hardly occur at abutments and intermediate hinges. Moderate limit state could be exceeded in the positions of plug-type concrete structures in intermediate hinges, which tends to create transverse and vertical cracks, furthermore causing reinforcements yield. It indicates that it would severely underestimate the seismic fragility of intermediate hinges without considering the elaborate simulation of hinges.