Seismic Hazard of Viaduct Transportation Infrastructure

Prestressed concrete viaduct structures are used for the construction of many highways and railways. The objective of this study was to clarify the inelastic response behavior of partially prestressed concrete viaduct structures during severe earthquake excitations. A study that includes experimental and analytical phases was carried out. Small-scaled models were employed so as to represent actual viaduct structures. Specimens representing the PC girders of the viaduct structures were tested experimentally. The first technique was statically reversed cyclic loading test to study the inelastic response behavior of the PC girders and to obtain the hysteretic-load deformational characteristics. The sub-structured pseudo-dynamic testing technique was implemented as the second testing technique. During the sub-structured pseudo-dynamic test, the PC girder was tested experimentally, and the RC columns of the viaduct structure were simulated analytically. An amplified excitation of the 1995 Hyogo Ken Nanbu earthquake was used. Response analyses for the viaduct model were carried out. A comparison between the experimental results and results obtained from response analyses was made. An agreement between the experimental and analytical results was found. The study revealed that not only the RC columns but also the PC girders may undergo extensive damage during severe earthquake excitations.