Seismic Assessment And Strengthening Of An Existing Steel Bridge In Portugal

Subject Areas : Structural Mechanics

Catarina Fernandes ¹ , Humberto Varum ²

1 - Department of Civil Engineering, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
2 - Department of Civil Engineering, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal

Received: 2015-05-17 Accepted : 2015-05-17 Published : 2009-07-01

Keywords: existing steel bridge, joint stiffness, vulnerability assessment, rupture scenarios, strengthening solution,

Abstract :

This article presents the seismic vulnerability assessment of the S. João de Loure bridge, inPortugal. The single span steel bridge has riveted joints, commonly affected by corrosion,which can lead to a significant stiffness reduction. With the objective of evaluating theinfluence of the joints stiffness in the structural response of the bridge, a structural model ofthe bridge was created, and natural frequencies, maximum axial forces and maximum stresses,and maximum mid-span deflection were analysed. Four possible element rupture scenarioswhere also studied. Two of them where proved to be a risk for the structural safety of thebridge. A commonly used strengthening solution intending to reduce the bridge’s mid-spandeflection with external pre-stressing cables was studied.