Response of a RC bridge in WA to simulated spatially varying seismic ground motions

In this paper, numerical results from a non-linear dynamic response analysis ofa 50 m long two-span RC bridge in the Perth Metropolitan Area (PMA) to simulated spatiallyvarying seismic ground motions are presented and discussed. Spatially varying ground motions arestochastically simulated to be compatible with the design spectrum for different site conditions givenin the Draft Australian Earthquake Loading Code, and are compatible with an empirical coherencyloss function representing highly, intermediately and weakly correlated spatial ground motions. Effectsof ground motion spatial variation, bridge bearing stiffness, gap size of the expansion joint, and soilstiffness on impact force between the girders, and bending moment and shear force of the pier areinvestigated. Discussions on the infl uence of ground motion spatial variations on bridge structureresponse are made.