2010 Chile Earthquake Implications to the Seismic Design of Bridges

In this paper, several critical issues based on field observed bridge performance are discussed and illustrated using example bridges. They include (1) the damaging potential of subduction-type ground motions that have multiple pulses, long duration, and possible rotational components; (2) the role of transverse diaphragms and their possible elimination for accelerated bridge construction; (3) the tsunami effects; (4) the effects of the number of joints and joint detail; and (5) the consequences of liquefaction-induced lateral movement and settlement. The implications of these issues to the seismic design of bridges are summarized in terms of ground motion provisions, load combinations, accelerated bridge constructions, load paths and bridge redundancies, and site remediations.