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Influence of Site Conditions on Seismic Design Spectra for Bridges

Muhammad Tariq A. Chaudhary
Civil Engineering Department, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait

Abstract—Site conditions (geotechnical soil properties and geological setting) influences the surface response of strata to seismic ground motion. This fact is recognized in all seismic design codes by assigning spectral shapes based on site conditions. Due to variability in site properties and a myriad number of their combinations, design codes made a number of limiting assumptions. This paper attempted to test the bounds of some of these parameters (strata depth, Vs30, Tg, PI, ICR) and compared the results with AASHTO bridge design code. A number of limitations in the code were identified and corrections factors for some specific conditions are suggested.

Index Terms—acceleration spectra, bridges, soil properties, shear wave velocity

Cite: Muhammad Tariq A. Chaudhary, "Influence of Site Conditions on Seismic Design Spectra for Bridges," International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 116-123, May 2017. doi: 10.18178/ijscer.6.2.116-123