Analysis of Seismic Damage Patterns of a Cross-Fault Simply-Supported Isolation Girder Bridge

Compared with non-fault-crossing bridges, fault-crossing bridges shall experience relative dislocation on two sides of a fault in addition to dynamic responses. The damage pattern due to such effect can thus be different. A simply-supported isolation girder bridge is simulated and analyzed in consideration of an ideal strike-slip fault. The pounding effect between adjacent girders and between girders and abutment are analyzed. It is found that the relative displacements on two sides of a fault may increase the longitudinal deformation of the isolation bearings. The cross-fault girder shall exhibit in-plane rotating movement. The findings are in accordance with existing laboratory experiments as well as collected bridge damage information from past earthquakes.