Multidisciplinary approach to the assessment of seismic performances and rehabilitation of bridges: nonlinear analyses, probability theory and optimization theory

Abstract

The paper presents a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment of seismic performances based on the Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE), taking into account the multi-criteria optimization theory in analyzing the priority methods for bridge rehabilitation/strengthening. One bridge model was subjected to nonlinear static pushover analyses (NSPA), target displacement analyses using the spectrum capacity method (CSM), vulnerability analyses, and reliability analyses, while for a damaged bridge, in addition to be considered using the above methods, was also analyzed using the VIKOR method of multi criteria optimization. Seismic performances were determined based on monitoring the system's plastification and analyzing the relevant parameters for the level of target displacement, such as target displacement, total shear force, spectral displacement, spectral acceleration, vibration period, damping and ductility. The phases of damage were considered using the probabilistic analysis of vulnerability and reliability: slight, moderate, extensive and complete, as a function of system ductility.