Nonlinear Analysis of Existing RC Bridge Using SAP 2000

Abstract

There are many literatures available on the seismic evaluation procedures of multi-storied buildings using nonlinear static (pushover) analysis. There are presently no comprehensive guidelines to assist the practicing structural engineer to evaluate existing bridges and suggest design and retrofit schemes. In order to address this problem, the aims of the present project was to carry out a seismic evaluation case study for an existing RC bridge using nonlinear static (pushover) analysis.  In the present study a 4 Span RC Bridge  existed in SH-12 in Karnataka, India, was selected and by defining FEMA 356 Auto hinges conducted Nonlinear Static (Pushover) Analysis using (ATC 40) Capacity Spectrum Method and software SAP2000 was used to analyze the Bridge. The evaluation results presented here shows that the selected bridge does not have the capacity to meet the desired performance level and it requires retrofitting.

Keywords: RC Bridge, FEMA 356, Nonlinear Static (Pushover) Analysis, SAP 2000, ATC 40.