03 SP09

MULTIDISCIPLINARY CENTER FOR EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING RESEARCH
A National Center of Excellence in Advanced Technology Applications

Applied Technology Council Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake
The Applied Technology Council (ATC) is a nonprofit,
Engineering Research
tax-exempt corporation established in 1971 through the The Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering
efforts of the Structural Engineers Association of Research (MCEER) is a national center of excellence in
California. ATC’s mission is to develop state-of-the-art, advanced technology applications that is dedicated to the
user-friendly engineering resources and applications for reduction of earthquake losses nationwide. Headquartered
use in mitigating the effects of natural and other hazards at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York,
on the built environment. ATC also identifies and the Center was originally established by the National
encourages needed research and develops consensus Science Foundation (NSF) in 1986, as the National Center
opinions on structural engineering issues in a non- for Earthquake Engineering Research (NCEER).
proprietary format. ATC thereby fulfills a unique role in
funded information transfer. Comprising a consortium of researchers from numerous
disciplines and institutions throughout the United States,
ATC is guided by a Board of Directors consisting of the Center’s mission is to reduce earthquake losses through
representatives appointed by the American Society of Civil research and the application of advanced technologies that
Engineers, the National Council of Structural Engineers improve engineering, pre-earthquake planning and post-
Associations, the Structural Engineers Association of earthquake recovery strategies. Toward this end, the
California, the Western Council of Structural Engineers Center coordinates a nationwide program of
Associations, and four at-large representatives concerned multidisciplinary team research, education and outreach
with the practice of structural engineering. Each director activities.
serves a three-year term.
Funded principally by NSF, the State of New York and the
Project management and administration are carried out by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Center
a full-time Executive Director and support staff. Project derives additional support from the Federal Emergency
work is conducted by a wide range of highly qualified Management Agency (FEMA), other state governments,
consulting professionals, thus incorporating the experience academic institutions, foreign governments and private
of many individuals from academia, research, and industry.
professional practice who would not be available from any
single organization. Funding for ATC projects is obtained
from government agencies and from the private sector in
the form of tax-deductible contributions.
ATC/MCEER Joint Venture

The ATC/MCEER Joint Venture, a partnership of the Applied Technology Council (ATC) and the Multidisciplinary Center
for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER), was established to conduct the NCHRP 12-49 project, Development of
Comprehensive Specifications for the Seismic Design of Bridges, which was funded by the Transportation Research Board
of the National Research Council.
ATC/MCEER Joint Venture Management Committee
Christopher Rojahn (ATC representative), Chair and Authorized Representative
Michel Bruneau (MCEER representative)
Ian Buckle (MCEER representative)
Ian Friedland (ATC representative)
Notice
This report was prepared by the Applied Technology Council (ATC) and the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake
Engineering Research (MCEER) through a contract from the Federal Highway Administration and other sponsors. Neither
ATC, MCEER, their associates, sponsors, nor any person acting on their behalf:
a. makes any warranty, express or implied, with respect to the use of any information, apparatus, method, or
process disclosed in this report or that such use may not infringe upon privately owned rights; or
b. assumes any liabilities of whatsoever kind with respect to the use of, or the damage resulting from the use of,
any information, apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do
not necessarily reflect the views of ATC, MCEER, Federal Highway Administration or other sponsors. The material
presented in this publication should not be used or relied upon for any specific application without competent examination
and verification of its accuracy, suitability, and applicability by qualified professionals.
MCEER Report Number: MCEER-03-SP09

MCEER/ATC-49-2
Design Examples
Recommended LRFD Guidelines
for the Seismic Design of Highway Bridges
Prepared under
NCHRP Project 12-49, FY ‘98
“Comprehensive Specification for the Seismic Design of Bridges”
National Cooperative Highway Research Program
Prepared by
ATC/MCEER JOINT VENTURE
A partnership of the
Applied Technology Council
(www.ATCouncil.org)
and the
Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research
(http://mceer.buffalo.edu)
NCHRP 12-49 PROJECT PARTICIPANTS

Project Team Project Engineering Panel
Ian Friedland, Principal Investigator Ian Buckle, Co-Chair
Ronald Mayes, Technical Director Christopher Rojahn, Co-Chair
Donald Anderson Serafim Arzoumanidis
Michel Bruneau Mark Capron
Gregory Fenves Ignatius Po Lam
John Kulicki Paul Liles
John Mander Brian Maroney
Lee Marsh Joseph Nicoletti
Geoffrey Martin Charles Roeder
Andrzej Nowak Frieder Seible
Richard Nutt Theodore Zoli
Maurice Power
Andrei Reinhorn
2003
DESIGN EXAMPLES 2003 Guidelines for the Seismic Design of Highway Bridges
PREFACE
In 2003 the ATC/MCEER Joint Venture, a part- 2LRFD) was performed on a three-span continuous
nership of the Applied Technology Council (ATC) steel girder bridge.
and the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake En- A broad array of engineering expertise was en-
gineering Research (MCEER), University at Buf- gaged by the ATC/MCEER Joint Venture to develop
falo, published the set of documents, Recommended the original NCHRP 12-49 seismic design provi-
LRFD Guidelines for the Seismic Design of Highway sions, companion liquefaction study, and design ex-
Bridges, Part I, Specifications, and Part II, Com- amples. Ian Friedland of ATC (and formerly
mentary and Appendices (MCEER/ATC-49 Report). MCEER) served as the Project Principal Investigator
These documents are reformatted versions of the and Ronald Mayes (Simpson Gumpertz & Heger,
seismic design provisions (specifications and com- Inc.) served as the Project Technical Director. The
mentary) for highway bridges developed under NCHRP Project 12-49 team consisted of Donald
NCHRP (National Cooperative Highway Research Anderson (CH2M Hill, Inc.), Michel Bruneau (Uni-
Program) Project 12-49, a recently completed pro- versity at Buffalo), Gregory Fenves (University of
ject to develop seismic design provisions that would California at Berkeley), John Kulicki (Modjeski and
be compatible with the AASHTO LRFD Bridge De- Masters, Inc.), John Mander (University of Canter-
sign Specifications. The reformatting effort, which bury, formerly University at Buffalo), Lee Marsh
was carried out to facilitate immediate use of the (BERGER/ABAM Engineers), Ronald Mayes
Project 12-49 provisions by bridge design profes- (Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.), Geoffrey Mar-
sionals, was funded as a task under the MCEER tin (University of Southern California), Andrzej
Highway Project, which is sponsored by the Federal Nowak (University of Michigan), Richard Nutt
Highway Administration (FHWA). (bridge consultant), Maurice Power (Geomatrix
NCHRP Project 12-49 also included a compan- Consultants, Inc.), and Andrei Reinhorn (University
ion study to investigate the effects of liquefaction at Buffalo).
and an effort to develop design examples using the The project also included an advisory Project
NCHRP 12-49 recommended provisions. The de- Engineering Panel; Ian Buckle, of the University of
sign examples are provided in this MCEER/ATC- Nevada at Reno, co-chaired this committee with
49-2 Report, Design Examples, Recommended Christopher Rojahn of ATC, who also served as the
LRFD Guidelines for the Seismic Design of Highway Project Administrative Officer. Other members in-
Bridges, and the liquefaction study is documented in cluded Serafim Arzoumanidis (Steinman Engineers),
the companion MCEER/ATC-49-1 Report, Lique- Mark Capron (Sverdrup Civil Inc.), Ignatius Po Lam
faction Study Report, Recommended LRFD Guide- (Earth Mechanics), Paul Liles (Georgia DOT), Brian
lines for the Seismic Design of Highway Bridges. Maroney (California DOT), Joseph Nicoletti (URS
The two design examples contained in this Greiner Woodward Clyde), Charles Roeder (Univer-
document, which illustrate use of the Recommended sity of Washington), Frieder Seible (University of
LRFD Guidelines for the Seismic Design of Highway California at San Diego), and Theodore Zoli (HNTB
Bridges, are the eighth and ninth design examples in Corporation).
a series originally developed for FHWA to illustrate NCHRP Project Panel C12-49, under the direc-
the use of the American Association of State High- tion of NCHRP Senior Program Officer David Beal
way and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Divi- and chaired by Harry Capers of the New Jersey De-
sion 1-A Standard Specifications for Highway partment of Transportation (DOT), also provided a
Bridges. Each of the nine design examples, includ- significant amount of input and guidance during the
ing the seven previously developed, were carried out conduct of the project. The other members of the
and reported on in a consistent manner, using the NCHRP Project Panel were D.W. Dearasaugh
same calculation and report formatting procedures. (Transportation Research Board), Gongkang Fu
Design Example 8 was performed on a five-span (Wayne State University), C. Stewart Gloyd (Par-
continuous cast-in-place concrete box girder bridge sons Brinckerhoff), Manoucher Karshenas (Illinois
and the ninth design example (Design Example DOT), Richard Land (California DOT), Bryan Mil-
lar (Montana DOT), Amir Mirmirman (University of
MCEER/ATC-49-2 iii PREFACE

Central Florida), Charles Ruth (Washington State technical committee (T-3), which was chaired by
DOT), Steven Starkey (Oregon DOT), and Phillip James Roberts of Caltrans.
Yen (FHWA). Lee Marsh led the development of the design
Three drafts of the Project 12-49 specifications examples provided in this volume and ATC and
and commentary were prepared and reviewed by the MCEER staff provided publishing services.
ATC Project Engineering Panel, NCHRP Project
Panel 12-49, and the AASHTO Highway Subcom- Michel Bruneau, MCEER
mittee on Bridges and Structures seismic design Christopher Rojahn, ATC
MCEER/ATC-49-2 iv PREFACE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ............................................................................................................................................................... iii
LIST OF FIGURES............................................................................................................................................... vii
LIST OF TABLES...................................................................................................................................................ix
DESIGN EXAMPLE 8
I INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1-1
II FLOWCHARTS ............................................................................................................................... 2-1
III ANALYSIS AND DESIGN ............................................................................................................. 3-1
BRIDGE WITH TWO-COLUMN BENTS
Design Step 1, Preliminary Design ............................................................................................. 3-7
Design Step 2, Basic Requirements ........................................................................................... 3-10
Design Step 3, Determine Seismic Design And Analysis Procedure......................................... 3-20
Design Step 4, Determine Elastic Seismic Forces And Displacements .................................... 3-23
Design Step 5, Determine Design Forces .................................................................................. 3-52
Design Step 6, Design Primary Earthquake Resisting Elements ............................................... 3-65
Design Step 7, Design Displacements And Checks .................................................................. 3-68
Design Step 8, Design Structural Components ......................................................................... 3-80
Design Step 9, Design Foundations.......................................................................................... 3-104
Design Step 10, Design Abutments.......................................................................................... 3-115
Design Step 11, Consideration Of Liquefaction-Induced Flow Or
Lateral Spreading .............................................................................................................3116
Design Step 12, Seismic Design Complete? ............................................................................ 3-118
IV CLOSING STATEMENT ............................................................................................................... 4-1
V REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................. 5-1
APPENDIX A: GEOTECHNICAL DATA, DESIGN EXAMPLE 8 ....................................................... 6-1
APPENDIX B: SAP2000 INPUT, DESIGN EXAMPLE 8........................................................................ 7-1
APPENDIX C: PUSHOVER DATA, DESIGN EXAMPLE 8 .................................................................. 8-1
DESIGN EXAMPLE 2LRFD

I INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 9-1
II FLOWCHARTS ............................................................................................................................. 10-1
III SDAP C CONVENTIONAL BEARING EXAMPLE ................................................................. 11-1
Design Step 1, Preliminary Design ............................................................................................ 11-1
Design Step 3, Determine Seismic Design And Analysis Procedure ......................................... 11-5
Design Step 7, Design Displacements And Checks ................................................................ 11-18
Design Step 8, Design Structural Components ........................................................................ 11-19
Design Step 11, Consider Liquefaction.................................................................................... 11-36
IV SDAP C WITH ELASTOMERIC BEARING EXAMPLE ....................................................... 12-1
MCEER/ATC-49-2 v TABLE OF CONTENTS

Design Step 7, Design Displacements And Checks ................................................................ 12-20
Design Step 8, Design Structural Components ........................................................................ 12-24
Design Step 11, Consider Liquefaction.................................................................................... 12-39
V SDAP A2 CONVENTIONAL BEARING EXAMPLE ............................................................... 13-1
Design Step 8, Design Structural Components .......................................................................... 13-5
Design Step 12, Seismic Design Complete? .............................................................................. 13-7
VI SDAP A2 WITH ELASTOMERIC BEARING EXAMPLE ..................................................... 14-1
Design Step 8, Design Structural Components .......................................................................... 14-5
Design Step 12, Seismic Design Complete? .............................................................................. 14-8
VII CLOSING STATEMENT ............................................................................................................. 15-1
VIII REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 16-1
APPENDIX A: GEOTECHNICAL DATA, DESIGN EXAMPLE 2LRFD .......................................... 17-1
PROJECT PARTICIPANTS ............................................................................................................................ 18-1
MCEER/ATC-49-2 vi TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES
DESIGN EXAMPLE 8
Figure 1a Bridge No. 8 - Plan and Elevation................................................................................................ 3-3
Figure 1b Bridge No. 8 - Typical Cross Section........................................................................................... 3-4
Figure 1c Bridge No. 8 - Stub-Type Abutment ............................................................................................ 3-5
Figure 1d Bridge No. 8 - Box Girder Framing Plan ..................................................................................... 3-6
Figure 2 Longitudinal Seismic Behavior .................................................................................................... 3-9
Figure 3 Transverse Seismic Behavior ....................................................................................................... 3-9
Figure 4 Soil Profile.................................................................................................................................. 3-13
Figure 5 Design Response Spectra ........................................................................................................... 3-18
Figure 6 Structural Model of Bridge......................................................................................................... 3-24
Figure 7 Details of Bent Elements ............................................................................................................ 3-27
Figure 8 Details of Spring Supports ......................................................................................................... 3-28
Figure 9 Bridge Elevation Superimposed on Soil Profile......................................................................... 3-30
Figure 10 Plan View of Typical Intermediate Bent Pile Cap ..................................................................... 3-31
Figure 11 Active and Passive Pressure Coefficients for Vertical Wall and Horizontal Backfill Based
on Log Spiral Failure Surfaces ................................................................................................... 3-34
Figure 12 Longitudinal Superstructure Passive Soil Spring ....................................................................... 3-38
Figure 13 Deformed Shape for MCE Mode 1 ............................................................................................ 3-44
Figure 14 Deformed Shape for MCE Mode 2 ............................................................................................ 3-44
Figure 15 Key to Force, Moment, and Displacements Directions.............................................................. 3-47
Figure 16 Column Interaction Capacity Curve........................................................................................... 3-67
Figure 17 Details of Pushover Model Elements ......................................................................................... 3-76
Figure 18 Pushover Curve .......................................................................................................................... 3-77
Figure 19 Column Transverse Reinforcement Summary ........................................................................... 3-94
Figure 20 Plan Layout of Joint Reinforcement......................................................................................... 3-100
Figure 21 Elevation of Joint Reinforcement............................................................................................. 3-101
Figure 22 Foundation Forces .................................................................................................................... 3-105
Figure 23 Pile Top Interaction Diagram ................................................................................................... 3-110
DESIGN EXAMPLE 2LRFD

Figure 1a Bridge No. 2LRFD - Plan and Elevation...................................................................................... 9-8
Figure 1b Bridge No. 2LRFD - Typical Cross Section ................................................................................ 9-9
Figure 1c Bridge No. 2LRFD - Seat-Type Abutment ................................................................................ 9-10
Figure 1d Bridge No. 2LRFD – Four-Column Bent Elevation (for Section III) ........................................ 9-11
MCEER/ATC-49-2 vii LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1e Bridge No. 2LRFD – Wall Pier Elevation (for Section IV) ....................................................... 9-12
Figure 1f Bridge No. 2LRFD – Plate Girder Detail ................................................................................... 9-13
Figure 2 Seismic Behavior with Conventional Bearings .......................................................................... 11-2
Figure 3 Column Interaction Capacity Curve......................................................................................... 11-10
Figure 4 Configuration of Bent Foundation............................................................................................ 11-24
Figure 5 Seismic Behavior with Elastomeric Bearings ............................................................................ 12-2
Figure 6 Elastomeric Bearing at Pier ........................................................................................................ 12-3
Figure 7 Elastomeric Bearing at Abutment .............................................................................................. 12-4
Figure 8 Translational Deflection of Bearing Pad .................................................................................. 12-12
Figure 9 Reinforcement in Lower Part of Pier Wall............................................................................... 12-25
Figure 10 Pier Interaction Capacity Curve Weak Direction ..................................................................... 12-26
Figure 11 Pier Interaction Capacity Curve Strong Direction.................................................................... 12-27
Figure 12 Reinforcement in Lower Part of Pier Wall............................................................................... 12-31
Figure A1 Subsurface Conditions................................................................................................................ 17-3
MCEER/ATC-49-2 viii LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF TABLES
DESIGN EXAMPLE 8
Table 1 Section Properties for Model...................................................................................................... 3-25
Table 2 Washington Bridge Foundation Springs .................................................................................... 3-38
Table 3 Modal Periods and Participating Mass MCE Earthquake .......................................................... 3-42
Table 4 Modal Periods and Participating Mass Frequent Earthquake..................................................... 3-43
Table 5 Response for Transverse Direction (EQtrans)............................................................................... 3-48
Table 6 Displacements ............................................................................................................................ 3-49
Table 7 Response for Longitudinal Direction (EQlong)............................................................................ 3-50
Table 8 Dead Load Forces....................................................................................................................... 3-53
Table 9 Full Elastic Seismic Forces ........................................................................................................ 3-54
Table 10 Orthogonal Seismic Force Combinations SRSS Combination Rule .......................................... 3-56
Table 11 Orthogonal Seismic Force Combinations 100% - 40% Rule / LC1 and LC2 ............................ 3-58
Table 12 Modified Design Forces for MCE Earthquake........................................................................... 3-63
Table 13 Modified Design Forces for Frequent Earthquake ..................................................................... 3-64
Table 14 Column Transverse Steel Design Summary............................................................................... 3-93
MCEER/ATC-49-2 ix LIST OF TABLES

DESIGN EXAMPLE NO. 8
PURPOSE This is the eighth in a series of seismic design examples originally

OF DESIGN developed for the FHWA. The original seven examples were developed to
EXAMPLE illustrate the use of the AASHTO Division I-A Specification for seismic
design. The eighth and ninth examples illustrate the use of the
Recommended LRFD Guidelines for the Seismic Design of Highway Bridges,
MCEER/ATC 49 (2003) for seismic design, which is a comprehensive
revision of the AASHTO seismic design provisions. Each example
emphasizes different features that must be considered in the seismic
analysis and design process. The matrix below is a summary of the
features of the nine examples.
DESIGN DESIGN SUPER-

EXAMPLE EXAMPLE SEISMIC PLAN STRUCTURE PIER ABUTMENT FOUNDATION CONNECTIONS
NO. DESCRIPTION CATEGORY GEOMETRY TYPE TYPE TYPE TYPE AND JOINTS
1 Two-Span SPC - C Tangent CIP Concrete Three-Column Seat Spread Monolithic Joint at Pier
Continuous Square Box Integral Stub Base Footings Expansion Bearing
Bent at Abutment
2 Three-Span SPC - B Tangent Steel Girder Wall Type Tall Spread Elastomeric
Continuous Skewed Pier Seat Footings Bearing Pads
(Piers and Abutments)
AASHTO
3 Single-Span SPC - C Tangent Precast (N/A) Tall Spread Elastomeric
Square Concrete Seat Footings Bearing Pads
Girders (Closed-In)
Monolithic at Col. Tops
4 Three-Span SPC - C Tangent CIP Concrete Two-Column Seat Spread Pinned Column at Base
Continuous Skewed Integral Footings Expansion Bearings
Bent at Abutments
Nine-Span Viaduct
5 with Four-Span SPC - B Curved Steel Girder Single-Column Seat Steel H-Piles Conventional Steel Pins
and Five-Span Square (Variable and
Continuous Structs. Heights) PTFE Sliding Bearings
Sharply- Drilled Shaft
6 Three-Span SPC - C Curved CIP Concrete Single Column Monolithic at Piers, Monolithic Concrete Joints
Continuous Square Box Steel Piles
at Abutments
AASHTO
7 12-Span Viaduct SPC - B Tangent Precast Pile Bents Seat Concrete Piles Pinned and
with (3) Four-Span Square Concrete (Battered and and Expansion Bearings
Structures Girders Plumb) Steel Piles
MCEER/ATC-49-2 1-1 SECTION I

SECTION I INTRODUCTION
DESIGN DESIGN
EXAMPLE EXAMPLE
NO. DESCRIPTION
Stub CIP
Monolithic at Interior
CIP Two-Column Abutment Concrete
Five-Span Tangent Piers
8 SDAP E Concrete Box Integral with Over- Piles with
Continuous Square Expansion Bearings at
Girder Bent hanging Steel
Abutments
Diaphragm Casings
Four- Conventional and
Three-Span SDAP A2 Tangent Column Bent Tall Spread Elastomeric
2LRFD Steel Girder
Continuous and C Skewed and Wall Seat Footings Bearing Pads
Type Pier (Piers and Abutments)
REFERENCE Example Nos. 1 through 7 conform to the following specifications.

AASHTO
SPECIFICATIONS AASHTO Division I (herein referred to as “Division I”)
Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, American Association of

State Highway and Transportation Officials, Inc., 15th Edition, as
amended by the Interim Specifications-Bridges-1993 through 1995.
AASHTO Division I-A (herein referred to as “Division I-A” or the

“Specification”)
Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, Division I-A, Seismic Design,

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Inc.,
15th Edition, as amended by the Interim Specifications-Bridges-1995.
Example Nos. 8 and 2LRFD conform to the following.
Recommended LRFD Guidelines for the Seismic Design of Highway

Bridges, MCEER/ATC 49 (2003) (herein referred to as the Guide
Specification)
Additionally, these examples cross reference the original NCHRP

Specification that is the source document of the Guide Specification.
NCHRP 12-49 Comprehensive Specification for the Seismic Design

of Bridges, Revised LRFD Design Specifications, Third Draft,
March 2001.

FLOWCHARTS This eighth example follows the outline given in detailed flowcharts
AND presented in Section II, Flowcharts. The flowcharts include a main chart,
DESIGN STEPS
which generally follows the one currently used in the proposed seismic
Guide Specification.
The purpose of Design Steps is to present the information covered by the

example in a logical and sequential manner that allows for easy
referencing within the example itself. Each Design Step has a unique
number in the left margin of the calculation document. The title is located
to the right of the Design Step number. Where appropriate, a reference to
both the Guide Specification and the NCHRP Specification follows the title.
An example is shown below.

USE OF In the example, two primary type fonts have been used. One font, similar
DIFFERENT to the type used for textbooks, is used for all section headings and for
TYPE FONTS commentary. The other, an architectural font that appears hand printed, is
used for all primary calculations. The material in the architectural font is
the essential calculation material and essential results.
An example of the use of the fonts is shown below.

USE OF To provide consistent results and quality control, all calculations have been
MATHCAD® performed using the program Mathcad®.
The variables used in equations calculated by the program are defined

before the equation, and the definition of either a variable or an equation
is distinguished by a ‘:=’ symbol. The echo of a variable or the result of a
calculation is distinguished by a ‘=’ symbol, i.e., no colon is used.
Note that Mathcad® carries the full precision of the variables throughout
the calculations, even though the listed result of a calculation is rounded
off. Thus, hand-calculated checks made using intermediate rounded
results may not yield the same result as the number being checked.
Also, Mathcad® does not allow the superscript “ ´ ” to be used in a variable

name. Therefore, the specified compressive strength of concrete is defined
as f`c in this example (not f´c).

SECTION II FLOWCHARTS
MCEER/ATC-49-2 2-1 SECTION II


SECTION III BRIDGE WITH TWO-COLUMN BENTS
SECTION III ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
DATA The bridge is to be built in the western United States in the southern part
of the Puget Sound region of Washington State. The site latitude is
47.0 degrees north, and the longitude is 122.9 degrees west.
Latitude and longitude now define the location for development of the
earthquake acceleration data. Two earthquake loadings will be considered
in the design, one for a rare event, called the maximum considered
earthquake (MCE), and one for a frequent or expected event. The rare
event has a 3 percent chance of exceedence in 75 years, and the frequent
event has a 50 percent chance of exceedence in 75 years. Seventy-five
years is the nominal “design life” of a bridge as defined by the LRFD
Specifications.
The five-span bridge is 500 feet long with five equivalent spans of 100 feet.
All substructure elements are square to a line perpendicular to a straight
bridge centerline alignment. Figure 1a shows a plan and elevation of the
bridge. The superstructure is a cast-in-place concrete box girder with two
interior webs. The intermediate bents have a cross beam integral with the
box girder and two round columns that are integral with the cap on the pile
combined foundations. Figure 1b shows a cross section through the bridge
with an elevation of an intermediate bent. The stub-type abutments with
overhanging superstructure diaphragm are on pile foundations, as shown
in Figure 1c; and the intermediate bents are all cast-in-place concrete. The
pile foundations at all piers are 24-inch-diameter, cast-in-place concrete
piles with steel casings. Framing of the box girder superstructure is shown
in Figure 1d.
The subsurface conditions consist of 10 feet of soft clay overlying

approximately 90 of loose to medium dense alluvial sands, with a thin clay
layer at about 50 feet of depth. These subsurface conditions are uniform
across the site. The site has several liquefiable layers, one between –10
and –20 feet and the other from –45 to about –55 feet. Appendix A
contains key geotechnical information for the site.
The focus of this design example is not how to design for liquefiable
conditions. Therefore, the design information contained in this example
focuses entirely on the design of the structure for the nonliquefied
conditions for both the MCE and frequent earthquake events. Extensive
discussion of the design for liquefaction and the associated site-specific
geotechnical engineering is contained in the “Liquefaction Study Report,”
MCEER/ATC-49-2 3-1 SECTION III

NCHRP(b) 2001, developed as part of the NCHRP 12-49 project. The

reader is referred to that volume for specific information regarding
liquefaction.
REQUIRED Design the bridge for seismic loading, exclusive of liquefaction, using the
Bridges, MCEER/ATC 49 (2003).
FEATURES ISSUES EMPHASIZED FOR THIS EXAMPLE
Proposed LRFD Seismic Guide Specification, including
■ Basic Application of the Provisions

■ Foundation Springs for Pile Foundations
■ Two-Column Bent Behavior
■ Displacement Capacity Verification – Push-Over Analysis
■ Consideration of Passive Abutment Soil Resistance

BRIDGE DATA
(continued)
Figure 1a ⎯ Bridge No. 8 - Plan and Elevation

BRIDGE DATA
(continued)
Figure 1b ⎯ Bridge No. 8 - Typical Cross Section

BRIDGE DATA
(continued)
Figure 1c ⎯ Bridge No. 8 - Stub-Type Abutment

BRIDGE DATA
(continued)
Figure 1d ⎯ Bridge No. 8 - Box Girder Framing Plan


Design Step 1, Preliminary Design
SOLUTION
DESIGN STEP 1 PRELIMINARY DESIGN
A static load design (live and dead loads) and a preliminary seismic design of
the bridge have been completed. The initial configuration of the superstructure
and preliminary sizes of substructure elements are as shown in Figure 1
(a to d).
Design Step Seismic Design Objectives

1.1 [Guide Spec, Article 3.3] [NCHRP, Article 2.5.6]
Section 3.3 of the LRFD Guide Specification requires that a “clearly

identifiable earthquake resisting system (ERS)” be selected to achieve the
appropriate performance objectives defined in Table 3.2-1.
In this example, the ERS includes conventional inelastic action (plastic hinging)
in the columns and reliance upon the abutment backfill to “passively” resist
longitudinal forces.
The overall concepts for the lateral force resistance of this bridge are
described below.
The initial iterative process of preliminary design, which resulted in the

sizes of the bent columns and footings, is not shown in this example.
However, the assumed seismic behavior of the structure used for
preliminary design is described below.
For preliminary design, the bases of the bent columns are considered fixed
by the pile caps in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. The
moments of inertia of the structural elements are using effective properties
(i.e., cracked cross section properties).
In the longitudinal direction, the intermediate bent columns, in addition to

the abutment backfill, resist the longitudinal seismic force. The abutments
with the overhanging end diaphragm are in direct contact with the backfill
and thus the soil is effective in resisting longitudinal force in any
magnitude displacement. This behavior is illustrated in Figure 2.
In the transverse direction, the superstructure acts as a combination of a

simply supported beam spanning laterally between the abutments and
individual piers resisting tributary load. The maximum transverse
displacement will occur somewhere near the center, depending on the


DESIGN STEP 1 relative stiffnesses of the intermediate piers. This behavior is illustrated
(continued) in Figure 3. The intermediate bents and the abutments are assumed to
participate in resisting the transverse seismic force along with the
superstructure. There is no skew effect because the piers are
perpendicular to the bridge centerline.
At the abutments, transverse restraint will be provided by a girder stop or

shear key to enable transfer of superstructure transverse seismic forces to
the abutment. Transverse shear in the abutment, itself, is transferred to
the soil via two rows of piling as shown in the figures above.
All the foundations are supported by piling, which primarily acts as

friction piling. At the intermediate piers, the resistance to lateral loads is
comprised of a combination of piling lateral resistance and passive
resistance of the soil adjacent to the foundations and seals. At the
abutments, in the longitudinal direction, passive soil resistance is counted
upon for lateral resistance, as has been discussed above. However, in the
transverse direction, passive resistance of the abutment foundation acting
against the soil is not counted upon due to the proximity of the foundation
to the edge of the fill slope. Thus, two distinct behaviors have been used at
the intermediate piers and abutments.
Design Step Earthquake Resisting Systems

1.2 [Guide Spec, Article 3.3.1] [NCHRP, Article 2.5.6.1]
Section 3.3.1 of the LRFD Guide Specification introduces the concept of

Earthquake Resisting Systems (ERS) and Earthquake Resisting Elements
(ERE). This concept is new and it organizes commonly occurring systems
and elements into three categories: 1) Permissible, 2) Permissible with
Owner’s Approval, and 3) Not Recommended for New Bridges. Examples
of common systems and elements are included in Figures C3.3.1-1a and 1b,
C3.3.1-2, and C3.3.1-3 of the commentary to the provisions. The provisions
encourage the designer to decide, early in the design process, what ERS
and EREs will be used, and they encourage designers to use Permissible
systems.
The Permissible with Owner’s Approval category covers situations that

either require special consideration by the owner or are generally not
desirable, but often cannot be avoided. An example of the former is using
the full capacity of the backfill behind an abutment to resist the
longitudinal movement of the superstructure. This requires consideration
and specification of backfill material the extends beyond that typical of
most bridges. The latter includes in-ground hinging that cannot be


DESIGN STEP 1 avoided. This means that inelastic demands may occur in the foundations
(continued) during a major earthquake, and these may not be inspectable.
In this example, the bridge is classified as “Permissible with Owner’s Approval”

because the full prescriptive passive capacity of the soil backfill behind the
abutments has been counted on to resist longitudinal lateral forces.
Otherwise the EREs used in this bridge are all in the “Permissible” category.
Figure 2 ⎯ Longitudinal Seismic Behavior
Figure 3 ⎯ Transverse Seismic Behavior


Design Step 2, Basic Requirements
DESIGN STEP 2 BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Design Step Applicability of Specification

2.1 [Guide Spec, Article 3.1] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.1.1]
The bridge has five spans that total 500 feet and is a cast-in-place concrete
box girder with a reinforced concrete substructure. Thus, because this bridge
is conventional and regular, the specification applies.
The potential for soil liquefaction and slope movements are considered in a
separate report.
Design Step Seismic Performance Objectives

For this example, the selected performance level is “Life Safety,” the minimum
required for all bridges. This is the case for both the rare and the frequent
earthquake.
Table 3.2-1 defines the performance levels for service and damage the
bridge is to be designed for. In this case, the choice of Life Safety as the
performance level implies that for the frequent earthquake minimal
damage is expected and the structure is expected to fully open to normal
traffic following an inspection of the bridge. The Life Safety choice also
implies that in the rare earthquake significant damage is expected, and the
bridge will likely not be available to full traffic following an earthquake.
The bridge may, in fact, be damaged to the point where it needs to be
replaced following the rare event. Displacement limits are established by
the provisions to guide the designer in assessing geometrically what is
implied by the specified service levels. Per the Proposed LRFD
Specification, displacements should be checked “to satisfy geometric,
structural, and foundation constraints on performance” as outlined in
Table C3.2-1 of the Specification.
Design Step Spectral Acceleration Parameters

The site in this example is located at latitude 47.0 and longitude -122.9, which
is near Olympia, Washington. Using these coordinates, the national ground
motion maps for the MCE designate the interpolated, short-period (0.2 second)
acceleration, SS, as 1.175g and the 1.0-second acceleration, S1, as 0.411g.


DESIGN STEP 2 The spectral accelerations for the frequent earthquake were determined by the
(continued) geotechnical engineer, and likewise are based on national ground motion maps.
The short-period (0.2 second) acceleration, SS, is 0.261g and the 1.0-second
acceleration, S1, as 0.081g.
New to the provisions is the concept of using spectral accelerations taken

directly from maps. This differs from the existing I-A provisions in that a
peak ground acceleration, PGA, or acceleration coefficient, A, is never used.
The national maps include both a short- and a long-period spectral
acceleration, and these two quantities are then used to construct a full-
design spectrum. This approach is the one developed by the NEHRP
efforts in the late 1990s and is that which most of the building codes are
now using. The user is cautioned that the mapped accelerations,
particularly the short-period accelerations, appear to be much larger than
the PGA values that one is used to seeing. This is in part due to the longer
return period that is being used in these provisions, but also to an even
greater extent due to the fact that the accelerations are spectral
accelerations. Thus the accelerations represent the accelerations of the
structure, which are amplified above those of the ground.
These accelerations values are based on the horizontal component of

ground motion for rock, specifically site Class B. They need to be modified
for the site class determined for the example site if it is different than B.
Figures 3.4.1-1(a) and 1(b) show the spectral response contours, shown in
percent of gravitational acceleration, for the MCE developed by
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). A CD-ROM is available from USGS
(Frankel and Leyendecker, 2000) that contains large-scale ground motion
maps for the United States and will provide interpolated accelerations
given specific latitude/longitude coordinates or Zip Code.
For this example, the prescribed spectral acceleration parameters will be

used to develop the response spectra using the general procedure. A site-
specific response spectra is not required by the provisions for this site per
the conditions stated in Article 3.4. A site investigation by a qualified
geotechnical engineer or seismic hazard assessment specialist may be used
to develop more accurate acceleration data. Such an investigation is
required if Site Class F soils are present at the site and they have a
significant effect on the bridge response, the bridge is considered to be a
major or very important structure, or if the site is within 10 km of an
active fault.


Design Step Site Class

2.4 [Guide Spec, Article 3.4.2.1] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.2.2.1]
The site class for the Olympia, Washington, site is E based on the shear wave
velocity, VS, which was provided by the geotechnical engineer. The soil profile,
including properties for the nonliquefied condition, was also generated by the
geotechnical engineer and is shown in Figure 4. The site has a 10-foot-deep
clay layer and the upper 100 feet (approximately 30 meters) have an average
shear velocity of 600 ft/s.
A single soil profile is being used to represent the soil conditions at this
site. However, the soil conditions at a site will generally be characterized
by several soil profiles, as many as one for each pier location. For
demonstration purposes, the soil conditions have been simplified. Also, in
an actual design study, all locations would normally have to be considered
in the liquefaction assessment.
The site class can be established by either using shear wave velocity data,
standard penetration test (SPT) data, or undrained shear strength data.
The class depends on a weighted average for the upper 30 meters (roughly
100 feet) of the site.


SITE DATA
Figure 4 ⎯ Soil Profile


Design Step 2.4 At the site, the material at depths less than 150 feet are generally alluvial
(continued) deposits. At greater depths, some estuarine materials exist; and below
about 200 feet, dense glacial materials are found. This then produces a site
with the potential for deep liquefiable soils.
Figure 4 also includes relevant properties of the soil layers that have been
used for the seismic response assessments and bridge design. Shear wave
velocity (Vs), undrained shearing strength (cu), soil friction angle (f), and
residual soil strength (Sur) were interpreted from the field and laboratory
data. The cyclic resistance ratio (CRR) was obtained by conducting
simplified liquefaction analyses using both the SPT and CPT methods to
obtain CRR values. For a complete analysis of the geotechnical aspect
covered by the proposed provisions, refer to the Liquefaction Study Report
prepared as a part of the NCHRP 12-49 project.
Design Step Site Coefficients

Maximum Considered Earthquake (3% in 75 years)
The site coefficient for the short-period range, Fa, is 0.9 the 0.2-second
spectral acceleration, SS = 1.175g, and site Class E.
The site coefficient for the long-period range, Fv, is 2.4 the 1.0-second spectral
acceleration, S1 = 0.411g, and site Class E.
Frequent Earthquake (50% in 75 years)
The interpolated site coefficient for the short-period range, Fa, is 2.46 for the
0.2-second spectral acceleration, SS = 0.261g, and site Class E.
The site coefficient for the long-period range, Fv, is 3.5 for the 1.0-second
spectral acceleration, S1 = 0.081g, and site Class E.
Note that the site coefficients determined from Table 3.4.2.3-1 and
Table 3.4.2.3-2 shall be linearly interpolated for intermediate values of SS
and S1.
A geotechnical investigation may be made by qualified professionals to

establish site-specific seismic response information (e.g., site-specific
response spectra). This investigation is typically done on a site-by-site
basis. In some cases, State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) may
develop representative spectra for soil types and seismic hazards in their


jurisdictions. These spectra might then be used in lieu of the information

in Article 3.4. Lacking such specific information, the structural engineer
should decide whether to have site-specific information generated or use
the approach described in this section. In most cases, a site-specific study
would not be required.
Design Step Design Earthquake Response Spectra

Figure 3.4.1-1 illustrates the computed values needed to define the design
response spectrum, which will be computed for both the MCE and the
frequent earthquake. Also, because the site in this design example has
liquefiable layers, the liquefied condition of the soils must be considered.
Therefore, different foundation springs and response spectra are developed
for the nonliquefied and the liquefied conditions when designing for the
MCE. The full spectra is used for the nonliquefied case, and a reduced
response spectra may be used when liquefied conditions are considered in
the dynamic model, as described below.
A two-thirds reduced spectra is allowed when a site-specific analysis

indicates that the ground motions may be reduced by at least that amount.
If the site specific analysis does not support a one-third reduction, then the
site-specific value or the full spectral value shall be used. The reduction
may be considered to be a function of period. For instance, the one-third
reduction may govern for short periods and the site-specific value may
govern at longer periods. A reduction greater than one-third is not allowed
for conservatism.
In this case, a site-specific study was conducted for liquefaction; therefore,

there are three complete spectra to be developed.
Design Response Spectrum Development - MCE/Nonliquefied
Ss 1.175
S1 0.411
Fa 0.9
Fv 2.4


Design Step 2.6 S DS F a .S s S DS = 1.058

(continued)
S D1 F v .S 1 S D1 = 0.986
0.40 .S DS = 0.423
S D1
Ts .sec
S DS
T s = 0.933 s
To 0.2 .T s
T o = 0.187 s
T2 := To , To + 0.001 ⋅ sec .. Ts
(Eqn 3.4.1-4)
Sa2 ( T2) := SDS
T3 := Ts , Ts + 0.001 ⋅ sec .. 3 ⋅ s
SD1 (Eqn 3.4.1-5)
Sa3( T3) :=
T3


Design Step 2.6 Design Response Spectrum Development - Frequent EQ

(continued)
Ss 0.261
S1 0.081
Fa 2.46
Fv 3.5
S DS F a .S s S DS = 0.642
S D1 F v .S 1 S D1 = 0.284
0.40 .S DS = 0.257
S D1
Ts .sec T s = 0.442 s
S DS
To 0.2 .T s T o = 0.088 s
T2F := To , To + 0.001 ⋅ sec .. Ts

(Eqn 3.4.1-4)
Sa2F ( T2F) := SDS
T3F := Ts , Ts + 0.001 ⋅ sec .. 3 ⋅ s

SD1 (Eqn 3.4.1-5)
Sa3F( T3F) :=
T3F


Design Step 2.6 Design Earthquake Response Spectra

(continued) [Guide Spec, Article 3.4.1] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.2.1]
The constructed design response spectra for the MCE, nonliquefied and
liquefied soil cases, and the Frequent earthquake are shown in Figure 5.
The period, T, and spectral acceleration, S, values from these curves will be
entered into the SAP2000 model. Thus, the dynamic analysis will be run
three times, once for each of the design response spectra.
Figure 5 ⎯ Design Response Spectra


Design Step Vertical Acceleration Effects

The bridge site is effectively more than 50 km from an active fault. Therefore,
vertical acceleration effects are not required to be considered in the design.
The provisions covering vertical effects were developed based on strike-

slip-type faulting typical of California. They were not developed to
consider deep faulting such as that present in subduction zones. Thus the
near-fault provisions only apply for those situations where surface or near-
surface faulting occurs. Because no surface faults are within 50 km of the
example bridge, no account of vertical effects is required.
Design Step Liquefaction and Collateral Seismic Hazard Considerations

2.8 [Guide Spec, Article 8.6 and Appendix D]
[NCHRP, Article 3.10.4 and Appendix 3B]
Collateral seismic hazards, such as liquefaction, lateral spreading,

landslides, fault rupture, or other earthquake-induced ground movement
phenomena, shall be investigated for the higher seismic categories, for
instance SDAP D and E (note that these are defined in the next section).
As indicated above, liquefaction effects are considered in a separate

document, Liquefaction Study Report, and are not discussed further in this
example.


Design Step 3, Determine Seismic Design and Analysis Procedure
DESIGN STEP 3 DETERMINE SEISMIC DESIGN AND ANALYSIS PROCEDURE
Design Step Determine Seismic Hazard Level

FaSs = 1.06 and FvS1 = 0.99.
The Seismic Hazard Level is IV.
By Table 3.7-1, the Seismic Hazard Level is IV because FvS1 exceeds 0.4,
and the Seismic Hazard Level is IV because FaSs exceeds 0.6. The
controlling value is the more restrictive of the two values. In this case,
both spectral accelerations lead to Level IV.
The short- and long-period design spectral accelerations are given in the
previous design step. It will be seen later that the fundamental period of
the structure is greater than 1.0 second; thus, according to the
commentary, the FvS1 definition of the seismic hazard level is more
appropriate. However, either definition gives the same seismic hazard
level in this case.
Design Step Determine Seismic Design and Analysis Procedure (SDAP)

The required SDAP is E.
Table 3.7-2 of the Specification gives the requirements for determining

what Seismic Design and Analysis Procedure (SDAP) should be used. The
table suggests either C, D, or E can be used for the Life-Safety performance
level in Seismic Hazard Level IV. The table notes, however, further
restrict which SDAP can be used for this structure. Although Notes 1 and
2 would allow SDAP C or D to be used based on the performance criteria
and regularity of the structure, Note 3 and especially Note 4 restrict the
SDAP to procedure E, the elastic response spectrum method with
displacement capacity verification, because liquefaction potential at the
site will likely cause inelastic deformations of the pile foundations.
Furthermore, because the full passive resistance behind the abutment is
relied upon, SDAP D or E is required per Figure 3.3.1-2 of the proposed
provisions. Finally, if the largest of the available response modification
factors, R, is used, then the displacement verification calculation that is
part of SDAP E must be used. Therefore for this bridge, the minimum
SDAP allowed is E.


Design Step Determine Seismic Detailing Requirements (SDR)

SDR 4 is applicable to this structure.
Because the structure is classified for Life-Safety Performance and Seismic

Hazard Level IV, Table 3.7-2 requires SDR 4. The detailing provisions for
various components of the structure will be discussed in more detail in
future design steps in this design example.
In these new provisions, the single design categories that cover both
analysis methods and detailing have been eliminated in favor of categories
for both analysis and detailing. This was done because a variety of
analysis procedures may be used even for the higher seismic hazard levels.
It was felt that the detailing should be essentially the same at these higher
hazard levels while the analysis procedure could vary widely primarily
based on regularity and simplicity of the bridge.
Design Step Determine Response Modification Factors

The structural details must satisfy the provisions of Article 8.8 if the
response modification factors are applied. These provisions will be satisfied
once the components are designed for seismic load combinations.
In this case, Table 4.7-1 of the Specification gives the following RB factors for
the substructure.
MCE
RB = 6 For the columns (Multiple-column bents are used. The SDAP is E,

and the performance objective is Life Safety.)
R = 0.8 For the superstructure to abutment connection (bearings and

girder stops), the connection of the bent columns to the cap beam
or superstructure, and the connection of the bent columns to the
foundations. This factor only applies if elastic design forces are
used in lieu of capacity design of the connections.
Frequent
RB = 1.3 For all elements


Design Step 3.4 These factors will be used to ensure that inelastic effects are restricted to
(continued) elements that can be designed to provide reliable, ductile response, that can
be inspected after an earthquake to assess damage, and that can be
repaired relatively easily. The foundations and column connections do not
fit this constraint, and thus will be designed not to experience inelastic
effects. For bridges classified as SDAP D or E, it is recommended that the
connections of the bent columns to the superstructure and foundation be
designed for the maximum forces capable of being developed by plastic
hinging of the bent column. These forces will often be significantly less
than those obtained using an RB factor of 1. If the inelastic (plastic) hinge
forces govern, that is, are less than the elastic forces, then an overstrength
factor must be applied to the column strength for design of the foundations.
This approach is known as capacity design whereby a distinct plastic

mechanism is postulated and then the structure is designed to ensure that
only that mechanism occurs. Structural elements that are not intended to
yield are designed to accommodate the forces attendant with the formation
of the plastic mechanism. In fact, overstrength factors are applied to the
yield forces such that the structure is then capable of withstanding forces
that are somewhat greater than the yield forces, alone. Article 4.8
discusses the topic of capacity design in more detail.
For the frequent earthquake, essentially elastic response is required of the

structure to ensure that little or no damage occurs. If the performance
objective is Life Safety, then an RB of 1.3 is allowed. This permits the
seismic demands to push the structure just beyond the point of first yield,
although no significant damage would be expected. If the performance
objective is operational, then the RB is 0.9. This value ensures that no
damage occurs, and the structure stays within its basic yield limit.
New in these provisions is a modifier that accounts for the observation that
the inelastic demands in a short-period structure are larger than predicted
by the assumption of equal displacements between the elastic and yielding
structures. Therefore, the base response modification factor, RB, is
adjusted for this phenomenon. Because the adjustment is period
dependent, this modification is discussed in Design Step 5 after the
fundamental periods of the structure are determined.


Design Step 4, Determine Elastic Seismic Forces and Displacements
DESIGN STEP 4 DETERMINE ELASTIC SEISMIC FORCES AND DISPLACEMENTS
Design Step Seismic Analysis

4.1 [Guide Spec, Section 5] [NCHRP, Article 4.8]
Design Step General

4.1.1 [Guide Spec, Article 5.1.1] [NCHRP, Article 4.8.1]
As discussed in the previous design step, the Seismic Design and Analysis
Procedure, SDAP, that is to be used is E. This means that an elastic
multimode response spectrum analysis must be executed, and the design of
the structure must be assessed using the Displacement Capacity
Verification (pushover) procedure. Thus the modal analysis will be used to
obtain the forces with which to enter the design procedure, and it will be
used to obtain target displacements for the pushover procedure.
Design Step Seismic Lateral Load Distribution

4.1.2 [Guide Spec, Article 5.2] [NCHRP, Article 4.8.3]
The transverse and longitudinal behavior of this bridge under seismic loading
was described in Design Step 1 and shown in Figures 2 and 3. The load paths
of the structure are to be as follows.
1. Transverse Direction
Inertial loads originating in the box girder superstructure are carried via
flexure to the integral cap beams or integral end diaphragms. At the
intermediate bents, the cap beams transfer the loads to the columns,
which transfer the load to the pile caps, which then transfer load directly
to the soil, to the seals and then soil, and to the piles and then soil. At
the abutments, the end diaphragms transfer lateral load to the abutment
shear keys, which transfer the load to the abutment stem wall. The load is
then transferred directly to the soil and to the piles and then soil.
2. Longitudinal Direction
Inertial loads originating in the box girder superstructure are carried

through axial drag strut action primarily to the end diaphragm that is in
compression against the soil. That diaphragm then transfers the forces
to the soil, which provides passive resistance. Secondarily, loads are
transferred to the cap beams via the upper and lower slabs and webs. The
cap beams transfer the loads to the columns. The loads then make their
way to the column foundations as described for the transverse direction.


The provisions require that a clearly defined load path be identified and
designed for seismic loading. The above is simply a description of the load
paths for loading in the two principal directions. This vision of the load
path then guides the designer in identifying the elements that require
seismic design and proportioning them for the expected actions.
Design Step Description of Model

4.2 [Guide Spec, Article 5.1] [NCHRP, Article 4.8]
Design Step General

The structural analysis program SAP2000 Nonlinear Version 7.40 (CSI,

2000) was used for the analyses. The model used is shown in Figure 6, and
includes a single line of frame elements, or spine elements, for the
superstructure and individual elements for the cap beam, columns, pile cap,
and cap seal of the intermediate bents. A copy of the SAP2000 input file for
the analyses is provided in Appendix B.
Figure 6 ⎯ Structural Model of Bridge


Design Step Superstructure

The superstructure has been modeled with four elements per span and the
work lines of the elements are located along the centroid of the
superstructure.
The properties of the elements used for the model are for the structure
configuration shown in Design Step 1, Preliminary Design. The superstructure
density used for the modal analysis has been adjusted to include additional
dead loads from traffic barriers and wearing surface overlay. The total weight
of these additional dead loads is 2.35 kips per lineal foot of superstructure.
The properties of the structure used in the seismic model (both
superstructure and substructure) are shown in Table 1.
_____________________________________________________________________
Table 1
Section Properties for Model
_____________________________________________________________________
Model Element
CIP Box Bent Bent Columns Pile Seals
Superstructure Cap Beam (Each Column) Caps (4)
Area 72.18 27.00 12.57 506.0 196.0
(ft^2)
Ix – Torsion 1,177 10,000 10.0 109634 6403

(ft^4) (1)
Iy 9,697 10,000 5.0 20409 20409
(ft^4) (2)
Iz 401 10,000 5.0 89225 89225
(ft^4) (3)
Density 180 150 150 150 140
(lb / ft^3)
(1) This value has been increased for force distribution to bent columns. Actual value is Ix = 139 ft^4.
(2) This value has been increased for force distribution to bent columns. Actual value is Iy = 90 ft^4.
(3) This value has been increased for force distribution to bent columns. Actual value is Iz = 63 ft^4.
(4) The seals have been included in the model to account for their stiffening effect on the piles. They
may conservatively be ignored at the designer’s discretion. The seal concrete typically will not be of the
same quality as that of the cap.
_____________________________________________________________________


Design Step As shown in Figure 6, the superstructure has been collapsed into a single
4.2.2 line of 3-D frame elements that follow the horizontal geometry of the bridge
centerline. This “stick” model is used solely for the determination of
seismic forces for this example. Such a model does not give exactly the
same forces for other loadings (for instance, dead loads) because the weight
of the superstructure is not distributed uniformly across the cap beam.
However, because weight or mass is an important parameter in dynamic
analysis, the total weight of the structure should be close to that obtained
from an accurate dead load analysis or check.
Enough nodes must be used along the length of the superstructure to

accurately characterize the response and forces bearing in mind that
SAP2000 and most other programs lump mass at the nodes. For a bridge,
such as this one, with uniform cross section and a straight alignment,
nodes at the quarter points are sufficient. Determination of moments of
inertia and torsional stiffness of the superstructure is based on uncracked
cross-sectional properties.
The end diaphragm of the box girder is in contact with the soil behind
because a stub-type abutment is used. Therefore, a foundation spring is
used to model the passive resistance of the backfill that will carry a portion
of the forces resulting from the longitudinal earthquake. Two important
characteristics of this spring are 1) to use half the spring value at each end
diaphragm, and 2) to determine whether the model response is yielding the
soil. The development and iterative process associated with this spring
value is discussed in Design Step 4.3, Foundation Stiffnesses.
Design Step Substructure

The bents are modeled with 3-D frame elements that represent the cap beam,
individual columns, pile cap, and cap seal. (There are no elements to model the
abutments, only support nodes as shown in Figure 4). Figure 7 shows the
relationship between the actual bent and the “stick” model of 3-D frame
elements. A single element was used for each column between the top of pile
cap and the soffit of the box girder superstructure. The connection of the
column top at the soffit of the box girder to the center of gravity of the cap
(at the superstructure centroid) beam is made with rigid link elements.
Foundation springs representing the piles are connected to the node (2xx) at
the base of the seal. For this model, the moments of inertia properties of the
columns are based on cracked sections. Although the torsional properties are
based on uncracked sections, this value is typically based on cracked sections.


Design Step
4.2.3
(continued)
Figure 7 ⎯ Details of Bent Elements
In the actual structure, internal forces are transferred between the

superstructure and the bent almost uniformly along the cap beam. In the
seismic model, the superstructure forces are transferred at the single point
where the superstructure and bent intersect. Therefore, in the seismic
model the forces in the cap beam are not representative of actual forces,
and the distribution of forces to the columns may not be accurate. For this
example, the torsional stiffness and moments of inertia of the model’s cap
beams were increased in order to provide a more representative
distribution of forces to the columns. These adjusted properties are shown
in Table 1, along with the actual calculated properties. The determination
of foundation spring stiffnesses to model the foundations is discussed in
Design Step 4.3.


Design Step During seismic events, cracking along the height of the column will occur
4.2.3 and will reduce the stiffness from the gross value to some effective stiffness
(continued) value, resulting in larger displacements of the structure. Therefore in this
example, cracked section properties have been used for the column
elements. Values for effective bridge column moments of inertia related to
axial load and reinforcing percentages have been developed by Priestley,
Seible, and Calvi (1996); and FHWA, Seismic Retrofitting Manual (1995)
recommends their use in evaluating structure displacements.
Design Step Foundation Stiffnesses

4.3 [Guide Spec, Articles 5.3.4 and 8.4] [NCHRP, Articles 4.8.4.4 and 10.7]
Design Step Bent Foundations

4.3.1
For SDAP E, the new provisions require that the foundation stiffness be
included in the mathematical model. Thus, the intermediate bent foundations
and the abutment foundations were modeled with equivalent spring stiffnesses
for the pile foundations. Figure 8 shows details of the spring supports.
Figure 9 shows the layout of the structure relative to the soil profile.
Figure 8 ⎯ Details of Spring Supports


Design Step The spring stiffnesses are developed for the local bent support coordinate
4.3.1 geometry but are input into the SAP2000 model with the same orientation
(continued) as the global axes. Because the bridge is straight and square, the
designation from local to global coordinates requires merely a change in the
subscripts, such as kUX, KRX, etc. SAP2000 can accommodate local
coordinate geometry, which would change the spring subscripts to
numerical terms instead, such as k11, k44, etc. For a program that can only
accommodate global directions for spring releases, the local stiffnesses
computed would require transformation from local to global coordinate
geometry for input into the model if the bridge is skewed or has a
significant horizontal curve.
Establishing meaningful soil stiffnesses for bridge foundations is a complex

problem that is often simplified to linear springs for static or modal
analyses. There are several methods available for establishing pile
foundation spring constants for use in a seismic analysis. The complexity
of the methods varies widely, as does the input information required.
Generally, any reasonable estimate of foundation stiffness will produce
satisfactory results for dynamic analysis. The use of springs computed by
some rational method, or by modifying substructure stiffness with an
equivalent length to fixity, will provide better results than no foundation
stiffness considerations at all. Article 8.4.3.4 provides guidance for
developing lateral stiffnesses of piles, and it includes simplified charts that
provide estimates of pile stiffnesses. These charts require the pile flexural
stiffness and the soil subgrade modulus. These charts are most useful for
preliminary design and checking. For detailed design, programs such as
LPILE, Reese, et al. (1998), are recommended.
The spring stiffnesses of the pile groups at Bents 1, 2, 3, and 4 are calculated
for the 6 degrees of freedom. A nonlinear lateral pile computer program,
LPILE, is used to determine the head deflection of a single pile due to an
applied shear force. The behavior is nonlinear because the soil has nonlinear
response to applied loads. The soil data entered into the program includes
group effects for the pile group. The method used here for the group effects is
from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Bridge
Design Manual, M23-50 (including interims through September 2000). Also,
the pile head is assumed fixed because the connection into the pile cap will
develop the flexural strength of the reinforced concrete portion of the pile. A
spring force can be computed based on the applied shear force and the
resulting pile head deflection determined by LPILE. The following computation
illustrates the computations done for the springs at Bent 1 (Pier 2). The
springs at the remaining intermediate piers are computed similarly.


Design Step
4.3.1
(continued)
Figure 9 ⎯ Bridge Elevation Superimposed on Soil Profile


Design Step The translational and rotational springs are computed below. The
4.3.1 subscripts on the spring values are according to the global axes as opposed
(continued) to local coordinates of the column. A plan view of the pile cap and pile
arrangement for a typical intermediate bent is shown in Figure 10. The
computations for each degree of freedom is outlined. Design Example
Nos. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate the development of the foundation springs in
more detail.
Figure 10 ⎯ Plan View of Typical Intermediate Bent Pile Cap
Compute foundation springs at Pier 2, referenced as Bent 1 in the figures.
Assume the following pile properties.

2
A pile 673 .in Reinforced concrete pile area, including
transformed area of steel casing
Ec 3830 .ksi Young's Modulus of Elasticity for concrete
L pile 167 .ft Length of pile at Pier 2
N piles 16 Number of piles at Pier 2


Design Step Compute the axial stiffness of a single pile at Pier 2.

4.3.1
A pile .E c
(continued)
kips
k axial k axial = 15435
L pile ft
Compute the axial spring for the pile group at Pier 2.

kips
k UY N piles .k axial k UY = 246955
ft
Compute the lateral translational springs for an individual pile at Pier 2.
V applied 50 .kips Shear force applied to a single, fixed-head pile

in LPILE. The soil properties entered into the
program represent reduced properties for
group effect.
∆ head 0.031 .in Pile head deflection from LPILE results.
V applied kips
k pile k pile = 19355
∆ head ft
The lateral translational springs consist of two components:

1) the passive soil resistance against the pile cap, and
2) the lateral resistance of the pile
1) Compute the passive soil resistance from pile cap in both the
transverse and longitudinal directions of the bridge.
H cap 5 .ft The height of the pile cap
W capUX 46 .ft The width of the pile cap, for longitudinal spring
W capUZ 22 .ft The width of the pile cap, for transverse spring


Design Step The surface area of the pile face is now computed.
4.3.1
(continued) A capUX H cap .W capUX
2
A capUX = 230.00 ft Area of pile cap face in longitudinal direction
A capUZ H cap .W capUZ

2
A capUZ = 110.00 ft Area of pile cap face in transverse direction
The passive resistance of the soil is determined from Figure 11 assuming

the following soil properties at the pile head.
Enter chart with: φ 37 .deg
Using curve of: δ 0.5 .φ
Read off value of passive pressure coefficient: Kp 10
The passive pressure of the soil is computed as:
pp 10 .ksf
PpUX := pp ⋅ AcapUX
The passive soil force on the longitudinal
PpUX = 2300 kips face of the pile cap.
PpUZ := pp ⋅ AcapUZ
The passive soil force on the transverse
PpUZ = 1100 kips face of the pile cap.
∆ := 0.02 ⋅ Hcap The displacement required to mobilize the

∆ = 0.10 ft passive soil force (Guide Spec 8.5.2.2)


Design Step
4.3.1
(continued)
Figure 11 ⎯ Active and Passive Pressure Coefficients for

Vertical Wall and Horizontal Backfill
Based on Log Spiral Failure Surfaces


Design Step The component of the spring from the passive soil resistance in both lateral
4.3.1
(continued) directions is computed.
P pUX
k UXcap
∆
kips
k UXcap = 23000 Passive soil on pile cap component of the
ft longitudinal translational spring
P pUZ
k UZcap
∆
kips Passive soil on pile cap component of the
k UZcap = 11000 transverse translational spring
ft
2) The component of the spring from the lateral displacement of the

piles is simply the number of piles times the individual pile lateral spring,
which is the same for either direction of movement.
k 16piles N piles .k pile
5 kips Lateral pile component of the transverse and

k 16piles = 3.10 .10
ft longitudinal translational springs
The complete translational springs are computed by summing the two

components.
k UX k 16piles k UXcap
Longitudinal translational springs
5 kips
k UX = 3.33 .10
ft
k UZ k 16piles k UZcap
5 kips Transverse translational springs

k UZ = 3.21 .10
ft


Design Step The rotational springs are now computed for Pier 2. Figure 10 illustrates the
4.3.1 dimensions of each pile from the axis of rotation, which in this case is the
(continued)
vertical axis. These distances are summed up using the "parallel axis theorem"
and multiplied by the lateral spring of an individual pile. This computation is
analogous to the term "Ad2" when computing moment of inertia, following the
parallel axis theorem.
2 2 2 2 2
k RY k pile . 2 . ( 4 .ft ) ( 20 .ft ) 4 . ( 8.9 .ft ) ( 14.4 .ft ) ( 21.5 .ft )
7 ft .kips
k RY = 7.41 .10 Torsional Spring at Pier 2
rad
This is done similarly for the rotation about the horizontal axis, except the
axial spring of the individual pile is used instead of the lateral spring. This is
because the rotation of the pile cap causes the piles to be extended or
shortened. Again, Figure 10 illustrates the distance of the piles from the axis
of rotation.
2 2 2
k RX k axial. 6 .( 4 .ft ) 4 .( 12 .ft ) 6 .( 20 .ft )
7 ft .kips Rotational Spring about the longitudinal axis at

k RX = 4.74 .10
rad Pier 2
2
k RZ k axial. 12 .( 8 .ft )
7 ft .kips Rotational Spring about the transverse axis at

k RZ = 1.19 .10 Pier 2
rad
The following is a summary of the foundation springs calculated for Pier 2.
5 kips
k UX = 3.33 .10 Translation, x axis
ft
5 kips
k UY = 2.47 .10 Translation, y (vertical) axis
ft


Design Step
5 kips
4.3.1 k UZ = 3.21 .10 Translation, z axis
(continued) ft
7 ft .kips
k RX = 4.74 .10 Rotation, x axis
rad
7 ft .kips
k RY = 7.41 .10 Rotation, y (vertical) axis
rad
7 ft .kips
k RZ = 1.19 .10 Rotation, z axis
rad
Use these springs to model the foundation stiffnesses at Pier 2 in the

Multimode Spectral Analysis. The foundation springs at the remaining
intermediate bents can be computed similarly and are given in Table 2. These
details are input into the SAP2000 model in the local bent support node
coordinate system, as shown in Figure 6.
Care should be taken to obtain the correct orientation for input of the
springs into the model. This precision is especially important for
foundations that have significantly different stiffnesses for each of its
orthogonal directions, such as the case with this structure.
Design Step Abutments

4.3.2
The abutments were also modeled with equivalent spring stiffnesses
(transverse translation), as shown in Figure 6. Some degrees of freedom are
released between the superstructure and the abutment foundation. These
include the rotation about the vertical and transverse axes and translation
along the longitudinal axis. The model allows longitudinal translational
response that is unrestrained at the stub-type abutment (see Figure 12).
An unrestrained longitudinal response also assumes that the bearings are

free to translate in the longitudinal direction, which may not be exactly the
case. The actual stiffness and movement characteristics of the bearings
should be assessed. However, because the intent of this example is to
provide all of the longitudinal resistance at the bents and at the back of the
superstructure against the soil, the assumption of “free bearings” in the
longitudinal direction is conservative and desirable for design of the bents.


Design Step
4.3.2
(continued)
Figure 12 – Longitudinal Superstructure Passive Soil Spring
The ends of the superstructure are restrained against translation in the

transverse direction at the abutments by girder stops at each side of the
bridge. The transverse force resulting from this restraint is taken through
the girder stops into the abutment, and is then resisted by the soil acting
against the abutment and its wingwalls. The transverse stop and wingwall
elevation are shown in Figure 1c. A translational spring stiffness for the
transverse direction, based upon the stiffness of soil against the wingwalls
that resist translation in the transverse direction, will not be addressed in
this example. Refer to Design Example No. 4 for computing this value. In
this example, the soil against the wingwall will be ignored.
_____________________________________________________________________
Table 2
Washington Bridge Foundation Springs
_____________________________________________________________________
Axial Longitudinal Lateral Axial Longitudinal Lateral

Global UY UX UZ RY RX RZ
Pier K11 K22 K33 K44 K55 K66
k/ft k/ft k/ft k-ft/rad k-ft/rad k-ft/rad
1 1.60E+05 0.00E+00 7.30E+04 0.00E+00 2.99E+07 0.00E+00
2 2.47E+05 3.33E+05 3.21E+05 1.19E+09 4.74E+07 1.19E+07
3 2.73E+05 3.43E+05 3.31E+05 1.23E+09 5.24+07 1.31E+07
4 2.86E+05 4.59E+05 4.47E+05 1.68E+09 5.50E+07 1.37E+07
5 2.73E+05 3.43E+05 3.31E+05 1.23E+09 5.24E+07 1.31E+07
6 1.60E+05 0.00E+00 7.30E+04 0.00E+00 2.99E+07 0.00E+00


Design Step Passive Soil Resistance Behind Superstructure End Diaphragm

4.3.3 [Guide Spec, 8.5.2.2] [NCHRP, Article 11.6.5.1.1]
The soil behind the superstructure end diaphragm is considered in the

longitudinal movement of the bridge during a seismic event. Therefore, a soil
spring is developed to represent the passive soil resistance the backfill provides.
The specification prescribes the passive pressure and displacement

required to mobilize the passive soil force. The following computation
illustrates the recommended method.
Longitudinal Superstructure Spring
1) Compute the passive soil resistance from diaphragm in both the transverse
and longitudinal directions of the bridge.
Assume the surface area of the diaphragm face is:

2
A diaph 208.1 .ft Area of diaphragm face against soil longitudinal
direction
H diaph 6 .ft Height of diaphragm face against soil


Design Step The longitudinal spring force on the superstructure diaphragm is the force
4.3.3
(continued) divided by the displacement that mobilizes it.
Pp
ks
∆
kips Longitudinal superstructure spring. Half of this
k s = 6937 value is applied to each end of the model.
ft
Note that the stiffness of the longitudinal abutment spring is essentially

an initial stiffness. If the structure longitudinal movement is larger than
the calculated displacement at which the passive resistance is mobilized,
then the stiffness of the spring used in the analytical model should be
reduced. The reduction is typically done iteratively until reasonable
results are obtained. The objective is to end up with a ‘secant stiffness’ for
the spring that just produces the passive soil resistance at the calculated
maximum displacement. Article 8.5.2.2 of the provisions describes this
process and suggests that the precision need not be less than 30 percent,
although it is relatively easy to obtain results much closer than 30 percent.
Figure 8.5.2.2-2 of the provisions also illustrates the secant stiffness
concept, and in the figure this stiffness is denoted, Keff2.
Looking ahead to the modal analysis, the final secant stiffness for the
longitudinal springs was 750 kips/ft. Half of this value was distributed to each
end of the analytical model. The longitudinal displacement, as will be seen later
in Design Step 4, is about 1.1 feet. Thus with a stiffness of 750 and a
displacement of 1.1, the passive resistance calculated is about 830 kips, which
is the passiver resistance listed above. It is apparent that the results
converged much closer than 30 percent.


Design Step Multimode Spectral Analysis - General

Design Step Mode Shapes and Periods

4.4.1 [Guide Spec, Article 5.4.2.3] [NCHRP, Article 4.8.5.3.4]
The structure has been discretized using four elements per span and elements
at each bent cap, column, pile cap, and seal, as discussed previously. Twenty
vibration modes have been used in the multimodal spectral analyses for both
the MCE and Frequent earthquakes, which involve the superposition of
individual modal responses to estimate the overall structural seismic
response.
The SAP2000 program (or any other dynamic spectral analysis program)
lumps the tributary mass of each element at the adjacent nodes. Spring
elements, which provide foundation flexibility, are massless. SAP2000
determines the vibration periods and shapes for each of the vibration
modes of the structure. The number of modes is dependent on the number
of masses, the number of constrained degrees of freedom, and the number
of foundation restraints for the system. Enough modes have to be specified
so that the modal superposition to determine forces and displacements is
sufficiently accurate. Typically, the modes are numbered sequentially from
the longest period to the shortest.
The natural periods of vibration for the bridge and mass participation for the
first 20 modes are shown in Table 3 for the MCE event, and Table 4 for the
Frequent event.
Results are shown for both the MCE and Frequent events, which ordinarily
should have the same vibration periods and modes. However, in this case,
the two events have slightly different models because the longitudinal
springs at the abutments are different for the two earthquakes. Therefore,
the longitudinal periods are slightly different, as well. This difference can
be seen by closely comparing the tables. As would be expected, the
transverse periods and mass are not affected. This would not be the case
for a bridge with skewed abutments.
Figures 13 and 14 show two selected modes for the structure. Figure 13 shows
the first mode, which is associated with the fundamental period in the
transverse direction. The transverse period for this mode is 1.62 seconds.
Figure 14 shows the second mode, which is the mode associated with the
fundamental period in the longitudinal direction. The period for the second
mode is 1.38 seconds for the MCE event.


Design Step _____________________________________________________________________

4.4.1 Table 3
(continued) Modal Periods and Participating Mass
MCE Earthquake


Design Step _____________________________________________________________________

4.4.1
(continued) Table 4
Modal Periods and Participating Mass
Frequent Earthquake
_____________________________________________________________________


Design Step
4.4.1
(continued)
Figure 13 ⎯ Deformed Shape for MCE Mode 1
Figure 14 ⎯ Deformed Shape for MCE Mode 2


Design Step Note that the cumulative mass participation in the longitudinal (X) and
4.4.1 transverse (Z) directions is less than the 90 percent value suggested by
(continued) Article C5.4.2.3 of the provisions. In this analytical model, the mass of the
pile caps and the seals have been included. These masses are not generally
required, unless one is designing using only the elastic forces. In this
example, capacity design will be used; therefore, the elastic analyses are
used primarily to obtain design forces for the columns and displacements of
the superstructure.
The modal analyses were rerun using 40 modes instead of 20 and the mass
participation ratios increased to 99 percent in all three directions. The
column forces and superstructure displacements were also compared with
the results for 20 modes and no differences were apparent. The reason is
that the additional modes required to increase the mass participation were
all associated with movement of the foundation elements. Thus the
20 mode results reported herein are valid, even though nominally the mass
participation is less than 90 percent.


Design Step Determine Forces and Displacements in Transverse Direction

Using the Multimode Dynamic Method, perform a transverse analysis.

Transverse analysis means that the input response spectrum was assigned to
the transverse direction; and along with this transverse load case, no
longitudinal or vertical spectra were used. For the longitudinal analysis, only
the longitudinal input spectrum was used (i.e., no transverse or vertical
spectra were simultaneously applied). The longitudinal direction is along a
straight line parallel to the centerline of the bridge (global X). The transverse
direction is applied at 90 degrees to the longitudinal direction (global Z).
These directions are shown in Figure 15. In most cases, when the same model
is used for both directions of loading, both the transverse and longitudinal
analyses are performed in the same computer run, as is the case for this
example.
The analysis program handles all the calculations, including the modal
combinations. In this case, 20 modes were used to characterize the
response. This number was kept constant for all the analyses.
The results are given in Table 5. The SAP2000 input file for this analysis is
2500N (represents MCE, 2,475-year return period, and nonliquefied
foundation stiffnesses). Shown in the table are forces and moments.
Directions for forces and moments at the bents are shown in Figure 15, and
are oriented along the local coordinate system for the bent elements. For
bent columns, the transverse direction is parallel to the plane of the bent
frame (global Z direction), and the longitudinal direction is 90 degrees to the
plane of the bent frame (global X direction). Abutment transverse forces are
oriented in the global coordinate system (global Z direction) as shown in
Figure 15.
Displacements for both transverse and longitudinal analyses are given in

Table 6. Directions for the displacements are in the global coordinate
directions which are shown in Figure 15.


Design Step
4.5
(continued)
Figure 15 ⎯ Key to Force, Moment, and Displacements Directions


Design Step _____________________________________________________________________

4.5
(continued) Table 5
Response for Transverse Direction (EQtrans)
_____________________________________________________________________
MCE Earthquake Forces and Moments - EQtrans
Longitudinal Transverse
Support/Location Shear X Moment Z Shear Z Moment X Axial
(kips) (kip-ft) (kips) (kip-ft) (kips)
Abutment A 0 0 437 1871 0
Bent 1 Top 84 1265 513 7676 795
Typical Col Bottom 84 1265 513 7733 795
Bent 2 Top 40 911 415 9295 922
Bent 3 Top 12 301 448 11153 1070
Bent 4 Top 40 906 446 10006 957
Abutment B 0 0 492 2930 0
Frequent Earthquake Forces and Moments - EQtrans
Abutment A 0 0 205 822 0
Bent 1 Top 25 370 170 2545 259
Bent 2 Top 12 281 119 2670 265
Bent 3 Top 4 102 129 3212 308
Bent 4 Top 12 265 129 2902 277
Abutment B 0 0 215 1003 0


Design Step _____________________________________________________________________

4.5
(continued) Table 6
Displacements
_____________________________________________________________________
MCE EQ Displacements of CGC of Superstructure

EQtrans EQlong
Location Global X Global Z Global X Global Z
(ft) (ft) (ft) (ft)
Abutment A 0.00 0.00 1.11 0.00
Bent 1 0.00 0.43 1.11 0.00
Bent 2 0.00 1.17 1.11 0.00
Bent 3 0.00 1.72 1.11 0.00
Bent 4 0.00 1.25 1.12 0.00
Abutment B 0.00 0.01 1.16 0.00
Frequent EQ Displacements of CGC of Superstructure

EQtrans EQlong
Location Global X Global Z Global X Global Z
(ft) (ft) (ft) (ft)
Abutment A 0.00 0.00 0.27 0.00
Bent 1 0.00 0.14 0.27 0.00
Bent 2 0.00 0.33 0.27 0.00
Bent 3 0.00 0.50 0.27 0.00
Bent 4 0.00 0.36 0.27 0.00
Abutment B 0.00 0.00 0.27 0.00


Design Step Determine Forces and Displacements in Longitudinal Direction

Perform the analysis for loading in the longitudinal direction.
The resulting forces and moments at the intermediate piers for the spectral
analysis in the longitudinal direction are given in Table 7. The SAP2000 input
file for this analysis is 2500N. Displacements for both transverse and
longitudinal analyses are given in Table 6. Directions for displacements are in
the global coordinate system, which is shown in Figure 15.
_____________________________________________________________________
Table 7
Response for Longitudinal Direction (EQlong)
_____________________________________________________________________
MCE Earthquake Forces and Moments - EQlong
Longitudinal (1) Transverse (2)
Abutment A 416 0 0 0 230
Bent 1 Top 1329 19953 0 0 72
Bent 2 Top 400 9013 0 0 95
Bent 3 Top 293 7328 0 0 1
Bent 4 Top 401 9033 0 0 47
Abutment B 416 0 0 0 92
(1) For bent columns, the longitudinal direction is 90 degrees to the plane of the bent frame.
(2) For bent columns, the transverse direction is parallel to the plane of the bent frame.


Design Step _____________________________________________________________________

4.6
(continued) Table 7
Response for Longitudinal Direction (EQlong)
(continued)
_____________________________________________________________________
Frequent Earthquake Forces and Moments - EQlong
Longitudinal (1) Transverse (2)
Abutment A 398 0 0 0 55
Bent 1 Top 318 4782 0 0 17
Bent 2 Top 96 2163 0 0 23
Bent 3 Top 70 1758 0 0 1
Bent 4 Top 96 2165 0 0 11
Abutment B 401 0 0 0 22
(1) For bent columns, the longitudinal direction is 90 degrees to the plane of the bent frame.
(2) For bent columns, the transverse direction is parallel to the plane of the bent frame.
Note that the longitudinal shear at the abutments is taken from SAP as
the longitudinal spring force acting against the end diaphragm. In this
case, the force is 416 kips, which is equal to 1.11-foot displacement times
375 kip/ft stiffness. These forces should be doubled for design of the end
diaphragm, because the abutment compression secant spring has been
split in two and assigned to each end of the model. Additionally, the axial
force from the end superstructure element in the SAP model cannot be
used because the inertial force at the end of the superstructure is applied
to the node between the spring and the end member. Because this force
includes the inertial effect of the end diaphragm, it is a relatively large
force, and to not account for it will introduce a large error into the
calculations.


Design Step 5, Determine Design Forces
DESIGN STEP 5 DETERMINE DESIGN FORCES
INTRODUCTION The designations for the load combinations in the LRFD Specification are
different from those used in the Standard Specifications. The reference to
Group loads, for instance for seismic loading, Group VII no longer applies.
In the LRFD provisions, Article 3.5 covers load factors and load combina-
tions. Table 3.5-1 of the provisions gives the load combinations and factors
for each ‘Limit State.’
The load combinations that apply to earthquake are those for ‘Extreme
Event I.’ While the table makes no reference to the two-level approach
that the proposed provisions include, Extreme Event I covers both events.
Thus the load combination factors for both the MCE and Frequent events
are those given for Extreme Event I. This is reasonable because both
earthquake return periods exceed the nominal 75-year design life assumed
for new bridges.
Design Step Determine Nonseismic Forces

The nonseismic loads included with the Extreme Event I load combination
are all ‘Permanent Loads,’ such as dead load, earth pressure, and any
locked in loads from the sequence of construction. Also included are water
loads and friction loads. Finally, some portion of the live load should be
considered; but at this time, a specific amount has not been established.
In addition to the basic nonseismic loads, the LRFD provisions contain a

high and a low load factor for the permanent loads. This is referred to as,
γp. Thus, the earthquake load cases would consider the worse of the
maximum and minimum factored load conditions. In the current draft of
the proposed provisions, these factors have been taken as 1.0 for the
Extreme Event I combinations.
Thus for this example, the primary nonseismic load is the dead load.
Additional loads, for instance water loads, are considered in the capacity
design of the foundations, but water loads do not affect the modal analysis
or basic load combinations used to design the columns.
Design Step Determine Dead Load Forces

5.1.1
The dead load forces obtained from a previously performed static analysis are
summarized in Table 8.


Design Step _____________________________________________________________________

5.1.1
(continued) Table 8
Dead Load Forces
_____________________________________________________________________
MCE and Frequent Events Forces and Moments - Dead Load

Support / Location Shear X Moment Z Shear Z Moment X Axial
(kips) (ft-kips) (kips) (ft-kips) (kips)
Abutment A 0 0 0 0 583
Bent 1 Top 0.6 12 0.2 1 706
Columns Bottom 0.6 5 0.2 5 763
Bent 2 Top 0 0.7 0.1 0.7 720
Columns Bottom 0 1 0.1 4 805
Bent 3 Top 0 0.3 0.1 0.9 718
Columns Bottom 0 0.4 0.1 4 812
Bent 4 Top 0.5 13 0.1 0.7 698
Columns Bottom 0.5 8 0.1 3 783
Abutment B 0 0 0 0 593
Design Step Determine Seismic Forces

Design Step Summary of Elastic Seismic Forces

5.2.1 [Guide Spec, Article 3.6] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.2.4]
The Multimode Spectral Method results are used to determine the

modified design forces. These are summarized for both seismic events in
Table 9.


Design Step _____________________________________________________________________

5.2.1 Table 9
(continued) Full Elastic Seismic Forces
_____________________________________________________________________
MCE Event Full Elastic Seismic Forces and Moments

Seismic Location* Shear, x Moment, z Shear, z Moment, x Axial
Direction (kips) (ft-kips) (kips) (ft-kips) (kips)
EQlong, Abutment A 416 0 0 0 230
L B1 Column 1329 19909 0 0 72
B2 Column 400 8999 0 0 95
B3 Column 293 7318 0 0 1
B4 Column 401 9024 0 0 47
Abutment B 419 0 0 0 92
EQtrans, Abutment A 0 0 437 1871 0
T B1 Column 84 1265 513 7733 795
B2 Column 40 911 415 9368 922
B3 Column 12 301 448 11235 1070
B4 Column 40 906 446 10077 957
Abutment B 0 0 492 2930 0
Frequent Event Full Elastic Seismic Forces and Moments

Seismic Location* Shear, x Moment, z Shear, z Moment, x Axial
Direction (kips) (ft-kips) (kips) (ft-kips) (kips)
EQlong, Abutment A 398 0 0 0 55
L B1 Column 318 4773 0 0 17
B2 Column 96 2159 0 0 23
B3 Column 70 1756 0 0 0.6
B4 Column 96 2163 0 0 11
Abutment B 401 0 0 0 22
EQtrans, Abutment A 0 0 205 822 0.2
T B1 Column 25 370 170 2566 259
B2 Column 12 281 119 2691 265
B3 Column 4 102 129 3236 308
B4 Column 12 265 129 2923 277
Abutment B 0 0 215 1003 0.3
*The column moment at bottom is used in this design example. However, the top and bottom
column moments are typically evaluated separately.


Design Step Combination of Orthogonal Seismic Forces

5.2.2 [Guide Spec, Article 3.6] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.2.4]
Before the seismic forces are combined with the dead load to create the
modified design forces, the seismic forces along the two principal axes must
be combined (without dead load).
The specification allows the seismic force effects from two or three
orthogonal directions to be combined using one of two methods. The SRSS
(“Square-Root of the Sum of the Squares”) is the method of choice according
to the commentary, especially if vertical analysis is significant. However,
either method is permitted. For this design example, the 100 - 40 percent
rule was adopted, although both methods were used to develop the seismic
forces for comparison. See Table 10 for a summary of the seismic forces
resulting from the SRSS combination rule for both the MCE and frequent
events. Similarly, see Table 11 for a summary of the seismic forces
resulting from the 100 - 40 percent combination rule.
The SRSS combination rule is computed as follows, from Guide Spec, Article 3.6.
COMBINATION OF SEISMIC FORCE EFFECTS
Pier 2 (Bent 1) Results - 2500N for MCE Event
MxT := 7733 ⋅ ft ⋅ kips
MxL := 0 ⋅ ft ⋅ kips
MzT := 1265 ⋅ ft ⋅ kips
MzL := 19909 ⋅ ft ⋅ kips
SRSS Combination Rule
("x" and "z" refer to global axes)
2 2
Mx := MxT + MxL Mx = 7733 ft ⋅ kips
2 2
Mz := MzT + MzL Mz = 19949 ft ⋅ kips


Design Step For biaxial design, the maximum vector moment is the maximum of the following.
5.2.2
2
(continued)
M1 := Mx + 0.4Mz( )2 M1 = 11112 ft ⋅ kips
M2 := ( 0.4Mx) 2 + Mz2 M2 = 20188 ft ⋅ kips
MSRSSmax := max ( M1 , M2) MSRSSmax = 20188 ft ⋅ kips
Note that all of the forces in the SRSS combination are the full elastic seismic
forces.
_______________________________________________________________
Table 10
Orthogonal Seismic Force Combinations
SRSS Combination Rule
_______________________________________________________________
MCE Event Forces and Moments
Location Shear Moment Shear Moment Axial
Abutment A 416 0 437 1871 230
B1 Column 1332 19949 513 7733 798
B2 Column 402 9045 415 9368 927
B3 Column 293 7324 448 11235 1070
B4 Column 403 9069 446 10077 958
Abutment B 419 0 492 2930 92
Frequent Event Forces and Moments

Location Shear Moment Shear Moment Axial
Abutment A 398 0 205 822 55
B1 Column 319 4787 170 2566 260
B2 Column 97 2177 119 2691 266
B3 Column 70 1759 129 3236 308
B4 Column 97 2179 129 2923 277
Abutment B 401 0 215 1003 22


Design Step The definition of LC1 and LC2 for the 100 – 40 percent combination rule is as
5.2.2 follows, from Guide Spec, Article 3.6.
(continued)
LC1 = 40 percent of the Longitudinal Analysis Results + 100 percent of the
Transverse Analysis Results
LC2 = 100 percent of the Longitudinal Analysis Results + 40 percent of the

Transverse Analysis Results
Note that the definitions of LC1 and LC2 are reversed from the definitions
used in Division I-A of the Standard Specifications. LC1 is now primarily
transverse loading and LC2 is primarily longitudinal loading. Also, the
contribution from the orthogonal earthquake component has been
increased from 30 to 40 percent in the proposed provisions. This provides
better accuracy in predicting elastic forces and displacements. Studies
have indicated that the 40 percent contribution provides a better match
with actual time history results than does the 30 percent value.
100%-40% Combination Rule
("x" and "z" refer to global axes)
MxLC1 := 1.0 ⋅ MxT + 0.4 ⋅ MxL MxLC1 = 7733 ft ⋅ kips
MxLC2 := 0.4 ⋅ MxT + 1.0 ⋅ MxL MxLC2 = 3093 ft ⋅ kips
MzLC1 := 1.0 ⋅ MzT + 0.4 ⋅ MzL MzLC1 = 9229 ft ⋅ kips
MzLC2 := 0.4 ⋅ MzT + 1.0 ⋅ MzL MzLC2 = 20415 ft ⋅ kips

To compare the differences between the two load combination methods for this
bent, develop the elastic vector moment for the column and form the quotient of
the vector moment obtained from the SRSS and 100-40 rules.
2 2
Mmax_LC1 := MxLC1 + MzLC1 Mmax_LC1 = 12040 ft ⋅ kips
2 2
Mmax_LC2 := MxLC2 + MzLC2 Mmax_LC2 = 20648 ft ⋅ kips


Design Step Comparison of SRSS and 100%-40% Combination Rules

5.2.2
(continued) MSRSSmax
= 0.98
Mmax_LC2
For this design example, all seismic forces will be computed using the 100%-40%
combination rule.
______________________________________________________________
Table 11
Orthogonal Seismic Force Combinations
100% - 40% Rule / LC1 and LC2
_______________________________________________________________
MCE Event Forces and Moments

Location Load Shear, x Moment, z Shear, z Moment, x Axial
Case (kips) (ft-kips) (kips) (ft-kips) (kips)
Abutment LC1 166 0 437 1871 92
LC2 416 0 175 748 230
Bent 1 LC1 616 9229 513 7733 824
Column LC2 1363 20415 205 3093 390
Bent 2 LC1 200 4511 415 9368 960
Column LC2 416 9363 166 3747 464
Bent 3 LC1 129 3228 448 11235 1070
Column LC2 298 7438 179 4494 429
Bent 4 LC1 200 4516 446 10077 976
Column LC2 417 9386 178 4031 430
Abutment LC1 168 0 492 2930 37
LC2 419 0 197 1172 92


Design Step ______________________________________________________________

5.2.2 Table 11
(continued) Orthogonal Seismic Force Combinations
100% - 40% Rule / LC1 and LC2
(continued)
_______________________________________________________________
Frequent Event Forces and Moments

Location Load Shear, x Moment, z Shear, z Moment, x Axial
Abutment LC1 159 0 205 822 22
LC2 398 0 82 329 55
Bent 1 LC1 152 2279 170 2566 266
Column LC2 328 4921 68 1026 121
Bent 2 LC1 50 1145 119 2691 274
Column LC2 101 2271 48 1076 129
Bent 3 LC1 32 804 129 3236 308
Column LC2 72 1797 52 1294 124
Bent 4 LC1 50 1130 129 2923 281
Column LC2 101 2269 52 1169 122
Abutment LC1 160 0 215 1003 9
LC2 401 0 86 401 22


Design Step These forces are combinations using the full elastic seismic results, and
5.2.2 have not yet been modified by the R factor. (The R factor is discussed in
(continued) Design Step 3.4.) At this stage, the designer could elect to compare these
forces (as Extreme Event I when combined with dead load) with other load
cases for the substructure design, to see if they control. If other load cases,
such as stream flow or temperature control, the seismic design forces given
in Table 10 could be used without further modification. However, in the
spirit of capacity design, the seismic plastic mechanism should still be
identified, even though its size is controlled by nonseismic loadings. Then
the elements connecting with the likely yielding elements would still be
designed to withstand the plastic hinging effects.
Design Step Determine Modified Design Forces

5.3
For design of the primary members of the earthquake resisting system
(i.e., those members that will experience inelastic action) modified design
forces are developed. These forces are the elastic seismic forces ‘modified’
by the R factor combined with the other required loads of the Extreme
Event I combination. These modified forces, along with the forces
associated with plastic hinging in the columns, are used in the seismic
design of the various components of the bridge.
The modified design forces use the R Factor in modifying the elastic
seismic forces. Viewing the entire bridge as a system, the intent of the
specification is to force the plastic hinging to occur in the columns.
Therefore, inelastic action is prevented from occurring in the cap beam or
foundation, where damage may not be detectable by visual inspection and
may be very difficult or costly to repair.
Design Step Modified Design Forces for Structural Members – MCE Event
Extreme Event I Load = γp* (DC+DD+DW+EH+EV+ES)+

γEQ*(LL+IM+CE+BR+PL+LS+EL)+
1*WA+1*FR+1*EQ
For this example, forces DD, DW, EL, EH, ES, EV, WA, and FR are assumed zero,
and only DC and EQ forces are combined. Additionally, as discussed above, γp
is taken as 1.0 and γEQ is taken as 0. Making these substitutions, the equation
reduces to


Design Step Extreme Event I Load = 1.0 ( DC + EQ )

5.3.1
(continued) where
EQ = (LC1 or LC2 forces) divided by R
a) Response Modification Reduction Factor, R

[Guide Spec, Article 4.7, Table 4.7-1]
[NCHRP, Article 3.10.3.7, Table 3.10.3.7.1-1]
In this example, R reduces the seismic column moments, but increases the
seismic lateral shear force on the connection of the superstructure to the
abutment. Recall that RB was determined in Design Step 3.4.
The base value, RB, is adjusted to obtain a final R value that is used in
design. The adjustment accounts for the observation that structures with
short periods tend to experience higher inelastic demands than the ‘equal
displacement’ method of predicting inelastic demands indicates. To
account for this increase, the RB factor is decreased for periods shorter than
Tstar, , where this period is based on the break point in the response
spectrum.
Determine the R factor to use in design. The base R factor from

Table 4.7-1 is adjusted to account for short-period effects.
Consider the MCE case
Ts := 0.933⋅ sec Corner of spectrum from Design Step 2
RB := 6 Basic R factor for SDAP E and Life Safety
T := 1.38⋅ sec Shorter period of longitudinal and transverse

directions from Design Step 4.4
Tstar := 1.25 ⋅ Ts Tstar = 1.17 s
T
(
R := 1 + RB − 1 ⋅ ) Tstar
R = 6.9
However, R must be less than RB; thus R is 6.


Design Step For the MCE Event:

5.3.1
(continued) R=6 For moments in columns when SDAP E is used and the performance
objective is Life Safety
b) Calculate the Modified Design Forces with EQ
Once the R values have been established, the value of EQ can be

calculated.
Table 12 summarizes the modified design forces. The R values used for specific
forces are shown.
For example, the Bent 1 longitudinal column moment using LC1 is derived as
follows.
M = (DC + EQ/R)
M = (5 + 9229/6) = 1543 k-ft
All other forces in Table 12 are calculated similarly.


Design Step ____________________________________________________________________

5.3.1 Table 12
(continued) Modified Design Forces for MCE Earthquake
_____________________________________________________________________
R= 6 Column Moments
R= 1 Abutments, Column P & V
DL + (100%-40%)/R Forces and Moments

Location Load Shear Moment Shear Moment Axial
Abutment LC1 166 0 414 1815 675
LC2 416 0 166 726 813
Bent 1 LC1 616 1543 513 1294 1587
Column LC2 1363 3408 205 521 1153
Bent 2 LC1 200 753 415 1565 1765
Column LC2 416 1562 166 629 1269
Bent 3 LC1 129 538 448 1877 1882
Column LC2 298 1240 179 753 1241
Bent 4 LC1 201 761 446 1683 1759
Column LC2 418 1572 179 675 1213
Abutment LC1 168 0 473 2897 630
LC2 419 0 189 1159 685
Design Step Modified Design Forces for Structural Members – Frequent Event
The same procedure as used for the MCE event is used for the Frequent
event, the only exception is that a different R factor is used.
a) Recall the Response Modification Reduction Factor, R

[Guide Spec, Article 4.7] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.3.7]
For the Frequent Event:
R = 1.3 For moments in columns


Design Step b) Calculate the Modified Design Forces with EQ

5.3.2
(continued) Table 13 summarizes the values of EQ modified design forces for the bent
columns.
For example, the longitudinal Bent 1 column moment using LC1 is derived as
follows.
M = (DC + EQ/R)
M = ( 5 + 2297/1.3) = 1758 kip-ft
All other forces in Table 13 are calculated similarly.
_____________________________________________________________________
Table 13
Modified Design Forces for Frequent Earthquake
_____________________________________________________________________
R= 1.3 All Elements

DL + (100%-40%)/R Forces and Moments
Location Load Shear Moment Shear Moment Axial
Abutment LC1 122 0 158 632 600
LC2 306 0 63 253 625
Bent 1 LC1 118 1758 131 1979 967
Column LC2 253 3790 53 795 856
Bent 2 LC1 39 881 92 2074 1016
Column LC2 78 1748 37 832 904
Bent 3 LC1 25 619 99 2493 1049
Column LC2 55 1383 40 1000 907
Bent 4 LC1 39 877 99 2251 999
Column LC2 78 1753 40 902 877
Abutment LC1 123 0 165 772 600
LC2 308 0 66 309 610


Design Step 6, Design Primary Earthquake Resisting Elements
DESIGN STEP 6 DESIGN PRIMARY EARTHQUAKE RESISTING ELEMENTS
This step includes the design of those elements that are intended to provide
the energy dissipation for the structure during an earthquake. The
objective of this design step is to develop enough of the system design that
the capacity design forces, which will be required for the rest of the
structure, can be developed.
For this example, the columns of the bents (intermediate piers) are the
primary energy dissipation elements. In the longitudinal direction, the soil
behind the abutments also is used to dissipate energy, but no design is
required of that beyond the end diaphragm and the specification of the
backfill material. Thus, this chapter deals only with the design of the
flexural reinforcement of the columns.
Design Step Preliminary Column Design

6.1 [Guide Spec, Articles 4.6, 8.8.2.1, and 8.8.2.2]
[NCHRP, Articles 3.10.3.6, 5.10.11.4.1a, and 5.10.11.4.1b]
The flexural design of the columns of Bent 3 (Pier 4) will be considered in

this step. The forces listed are based on the 100-40 percent combination
rule.
Below is a summary of the controlling Modified Design Forces for

the preliminary column design, taken from Tables 12 and 13. On
inspection , it can be seen that LC1 controls.
For MCE Non-Liquefied Condition:
Pmaxu := 1882 ⋅ kip Maximum axial load
Pmin u := −258 ⋅ kip Minimum axial load
ML := 538⋅ kip ⋅ ft Longitudinal moment
MT := 1877 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft Transverse moment
For a circular column, the modified biaxial bending moment can be

converted to a moment about a single axis by calculating that
2 2
Mu := ML + MT Mu = 1953 kip ⋅ ft


Design Step 6.1 For Frequent Non-Liquefied Condition:

(continued)
Pmaxu := 1049 ⋅ kip Maximum axial load
Pmin u := 575 ⋅ kip Minimum axial load
ML := 619 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft Longitudinal moment
MT := 2493 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft Transverse moment

For a circular column, the modified biaxial bending moment can be
converted to a moment about a single axis by calculating that
2 2
Mu := ML + MT Mu = 2569 kip ⋅ ft
The above forces will be used in the design of the longitudinal

reinforcement in the column.
Try a 48-inch-diameter column with 20 #10 bars (1.4 percent

reinforcement).
The column capacity curve in Figure 16 graphs the nominal capacity of Pn

versus Mn. The forces for the four load cases calculated above are plotted
on the curve in the figure.
Because the forces for both load cases plot inside the capacity curve for a
column with 20 #10 bars, this reinforcement is sufficient. The 1.4 percent
reinforcement provided is between 0.08 and 4 percent allowed
(Article 8.8.2.1).
Note that the load combinations for the MCE nonliquefied case and those
from the Frequent case actually both plot very near the interaction
diagram. Even though the overall moment from the MCE case is less than
that for the Frequent case, the MCE minimum case plots closer to the
interaction diagram. It can be seen that the strength supplied is slightly
greater than that required, and in fact the longitudinal steel could be
reduced if necessary. It will not be for this example. Also, the axial forces
used to select the longitudinal steel have not been reduced by the R factor;
and, therefore, they are a bit larger than those that will actually occur
when the bent reaches its plastic mechanism. This will be seen in Design
Step 7 when the displacement capacity verification (pushover) is
performed.


Design Step 6.1 Article 4.6 allows the design forces to be reduced to a minimum of
(continued) 70 percent of the original design moments if a pushover is executed and the
structure can meet the pushover displacement limits. This reduction is not
taken in this example, but it may be useful to invoke if the capacity design
of any elements becomes a problem. In other words, this reduction can
reduce the capacity design forces and thereby reduce steel congestion.
Figure 16 – Column Interaction Capacity Curve


Design Step 7, Design Displacements and Checks
DESIGN STEP 7 DESIGN DISPLACEMENTS AND CHECKS

Design Step Seat Widths

7.1 [Guide Spec, Article 8.3.2] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.3.10.2]
Compute Minimum Seat Width Required at the Abutment

[Guide Spec 8.3.2]
Data from "2500N" Sap2000 Model

Longitudinal displacement demand at
∆ L := 1.16 ⋅ ft
Abutment superstructure CG for
longitudinal EQ (from Table 6)
Ts := 0.933⋅ sec Period of vibration at end of short period

plateau from design response spectrum
TL := 1.37 ⋅ sec Longitudinal period of vibration of

SAP2000 bridge model
R := 6 Response modification factor for 2-column

bent
First, determine short period modifier as defined by Eqn 8.3.4-3:
Tstar := 1.25 ⋅ Ts Note: Tstar = T* within MathCad

computations.
Tstar = 1.17 sec
Because T* < TL, Rd is unity.
Rd := 1.0 Short Period Modifier
Compute displacement at the seat:

∆ mL := Rd ⋅ ∆ L
∆ mL = 1.16 ft
1.5 ⋅ Rd ⋅ ∆ mL = 1.74 ft minimum seat width


Design Step 7.1 Seat width shall not be less than 1.74 ft
(continued)
L := 500 ⋅ ft L = 152.4 m L := 152.4 distance btwn joints
H := 50 ⋅ ft H = 15.24 m H := 15.24 tallest pier btwn joints
B := 43 ⋅ ft B = 13.11 m B := 13.11 width of superstructure
Fv := 2.4 from Design Step 2.6
S1 := 0.411 from Design Step 2.6
α := 0 ⋅ deg skew angle
N = 1.48 meters
N := 4.86 feet minimum seat width
Seat width shall not be less than 4.86 ft
Therefore the minimum seat width is 58 inches.
Per Figure 1c, the abutment seat width provided is less than
this. The abutment must be widened from 46 inches to 58
inches or the overhang must be extended.
Design Step Displacement Capacity Verification (SDAP E)

7.2 [Guide Spec, 4.6, 8.3.5, and 5.4.3] [NCHRP, 3.10.3.6, 3.10.3.10.5, and 4.8.5.4]
For this example, only Bent 3 (Pier 4) will be checked using the
Displacement Capacity Verification.
Design Step Compute Modified Seismic Displacement Demand for MCE Event
7.2.1 [Guide Spec, Article 8.3.4] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.3.10.4]
Data from "2500N" Sap2000 Model
∆ T 1.72 . ft Transverse displacement demand at
Pier 4 superstructure CG for transverse
EQ (from Table 6)


Design Step Longitudinal displacement demand at

7.2.1 ∆ L 1.11 . ft
Pier 4 superstructure CG for
(continued)
longitudinal EQ (from Table 6)
Ts 0.933 . sec Period of vibration at end of short period

plateau from design response spectrum
TT 1.62 . sec Transverse period of vibration of

TL 1.37 . sec Longitudinal period of vibration of

R 6 Response modification factor for 2-column

bent
First, determine short period modifier as defined by Eqn 8.3.4-3:
Tstar := 1.25 ⋅ Ts Note: Tstar = T* within MathCad

computations.
Tstar = 1.17 sec
Because T* < TT and T* < TL, Rd is unity for both the

transverse and longitudinal analyses. Let Rd = RdT = RdL.
Rd := 1.0 Short Period Modifier

Compute modified displacements:
∆ mT R d .∆ T
Modified Seismic Displacement Demand
∆ mT = 1.72 ft for Transverse Earthquake
∆ mL R d .∆ L
Modified Seismic Displacement Demand
∆ mL = 1.11 ft for Longitudinal Earthquake


Design Step Minimum Displacement Requirement for Lateral Load Resisting Piers
7.2.2 and Bents
[Guide Spec, Article 8.3.5] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.3.10.5]
For SDAP E, the displacement capacity must be greater than or equal to

the following computed minimum displacement. The transverse
displacement capacity is then determined using an approximate method
and by a simple pushover analysis using SAP2000. The longitudinal
direction is evaluated using the approximate method only.
1.5 ⋅ ∆ mT = 2.58 ft Minimum Displacement Requirement

for the Transverse Earthquake
1.5 ⋅ ∆ mL = 1.67 ft Minimum Displacement Requirement

for the Longitudinal Earthquake
Design Step Plastic Rotational Capacity for Life-Safety Performance

7.2.3 [Guide Spec, Article 8.8.6] [NCHRP, Article 5.16]
First, estimate plastic hinge length:
εy 0.00207 Yield Strain of the Column

Longitudinal Reinforcement
db 1.41 . in Diameter of Column Longitudinal

Reinforcement (#11 bars)
H col 50 . ft Clear Height of Column
In the following equation for the effective plastic hinge length,

the term for the "shear span" of the column, M/V, is replaced
by Hcol/2. For this example, a conservative assumption of a
fixed-fixed column results in this simplification of the shear
span, which is nearly the case.
H col
Lp 0.08 . 4400 . ε y . d b
2
L p = 3.07 ft Effective Plastic Hinge Length


Design Step Now compute plastic rotational capacity of the hinges.

7.2.3
(continued)
Recall the fundamental periods of vibration of the structure:
T T = 1.62 sec Transverse period of vibration of
T L = 1.37 sec Longitudinal period of vibration of

1
3
TT
N fT 3.5 . Estimated Number of Cycles of Loading
1 . sec Expected at the Maximum Displacement
Amplitude for the Transverse
N fT = 2.98 Earthquake
[Note: The unit of seconds for the period is removed in the

radical expression to get a unitless result for Nf.]
1
3
TL
N fL 3.5 . Estimated Number of Cycles of Loading
1 . sec Expected at the Maximum Displacement
Amplitude for the Longitudinal
N fL = 3.15 Earthquake
Both N fT and NfL are within the acceptable range, which is

between 2 and 10 cycles.
cover 2 . in Concrete Clear Cover on Column

d col 4 . ft Diameter of Column
d b = 1.41 in Recall the Diameter of Column

Longitudinal Reinforcement (#11 bars)


Design Step Distance between the Outer

7.2.3 D' d col 2 . cover db
Layers of the Column
(continued)
D' = 3.55 ft Longitudinal Reinforcement,
equal to the center-to-center
pitch
Lp
Θ pT 0.11 . . N 0.5 Plastic Rotational Capacity of
D' fT
Hinges in the Transverse Direction
Θ pT = 0.0551 rad
Lp
Θ pL 0.11 . . N 0.5 Plastic Rotational Capacity of
D' fL
Hinges in the Longitudinal Direction
Θ pL = 0.0536 rad
Design Step Approximate Check of Maximum Transverse

7.2.4 and Longitudinal Displacements
The plastic rotational capacities can now be used to estimate the overall
translational capacity of the pier column hinges. This is an approximate
check that can be performed by hand to check the actual pushover analysis
results that will be generated in the next step.
The plastic translational capacity can be determined assuming the fixed-

fixed end condition of the columns, which results in the following
formulation used for typical plastic hinge framing of the two-column pier.


Design Step
7.2.4
(continued)
Now estimate the elastic translational capacity.
My := 2400 ⋅ ft ⋅ kips Yield Moment of Column, taken from

Interaction Diagram where P = 0 kips.
Ec := 3830⋅ ksi Young's Modulus of Elasticity for

Concrete [LRFD 5.4.2.4]
4
Icr := 5 ⋅ ft Moment of Inertia of Column based on
Cracked Section
Hcol = 50.00 ft Recall: Clear Height of Column
2
My ⋅ Hcol
∆ y := Approximate Yield Displacement
6 ⋅ Ec ⋅ I cr
∆ y = 0.363 ft
∆ capacityT := ∆ y + ∆ pT Approximate Maximum

Displacement Capacity in
∆ capacityT = 2.949 ft
Transverse Direction
∆ capacityT > 1.5 ⋅ ∆ mT = 2.58 ft therefore OK
∆ capacityL := ∆ y + ∆ pL Approximate Maximum

Displacement Capacity in
∆ capacityL = 2.878 ft
Longitudinal Direction
∆ capacityL > 1.5 ⋅ ∆ mL = 1.67 ft therefore ok


Design Step Pushover Analysis – Seismic Displacement Capacity Verification

7.2.5 [Guide Spec, Article 5.4.3] [NCHRP, Article 4.8.5.4]
The pushover analysis was performed on Bent 3, isolated directly from the
elastic seismic model, to determine the transverse lateral load-
displacement behavior of the bent. SAP2000 was used to perform the
pushover analysis, because it has the capability to perform such analysis
relatively simply.
The plastic hinge lengths, Lp, were calculated as shown above and additional
nodes were placed at Lp/2 from the top and bottom of the columns. Figure 17
shows the pushover model that was isolated from the elastic model.
The axial load-moment interaction diagram for the column with 1.4 percent
reinforcement was input as the yield property for the hinges. The only
members allowed to yield were the columns at the nodes located at the
center of the plastic hinges. Because capacity design procedures will be
used to design the cap beams and foundations, these elements are not
allowed to yield. This simplifies the input data required for the pushover.
Recall that the target displacement demand for the transverse

pushover analysis was
1.5 ⋅ ∆ mT = 2.58 ft Minimum Displacement Requirement
for the Transverse Earthquake
Figure 18 shows the pushover behavior of the bent, up to the target

displacement. The target displacement is reached at Step 11 of the
analysis. Selected output tables from the analysis are given in
Appendix C. The following data was extracted from the SAP2000 pushover
analysis.
At the Pmin column, at Step 11:

Θ ptop := .0441 ⋅ rad Θ pbot := .0446⋅ rad
Ve1 := 121.6 ⋅ kips column plastic shear

At the Pmax column, at Step 11:
Θ ptop := .0419 ⋅ rad Θ pbot := .0429 ⋅ rad
Ve2 := 145.6⋅ kips column plastic shear


Design Step
7.2.5
(continued)
Figure 17 – Details of Pushover Model Elements


Design Step
7.2.5
(continued)
Figure 18 – Pushover Curve


Design Step Θ pT = 0.0551 rad Recall Plastic Hinge Rotational

7.2.5
Capacity
(continued)
Predicted plastic hinge rotations are less than plastic rotational capacities
calculated in Step 7.2.3. Therefore, the design is acceptable.
Note that in lieu of the more precise analysis above, the designer can
assume a conservative value of the θp= 0.035 rad for the life-safety
performance category. In the case of this example, a 50 percent increase in
capacity is gained by using the computed method over the flat value
assumption. As the pushover model shows, the value of the computed
method is needed to pass the minimum displacement demand.
Design Step P-∆ Requirements

Check the limit for Modified Seismic Displacement Demands.
W 1530 . kips Weight of Participating Mass in the

Response of the Pier (taken as the
average of the column top and
bottom axial forces for dead load).
P W Participating mass is approximately

equal to the tributary weight for
this bridge.
V supplied 267.2 . kips Actual Plastic Shear Developed

in the Pier
H col 50 . ft Clear Height of Pier 4 Column
V supplied
C Seismic Coefficient Based on Lateral
W Strength
C = 0.17 Note that we are not using
overstrength to calculate C.


Design Step 7.3 W

(continued) ∆ m_limit 0.25 . C . .H
col
P
∆ m_limit = 2.18 ft Modified Seismic Displacement Limit
The modified seismic displacements for the transverse and longitudinal

earthquakes, 1.72 and 1.11 feet, respectively, are less that the limit.
Therefore, use of computed modified displacements is appropriate.


Design Step 8, Design Structural Components
DESIGN STEP 8 DESIGN STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
This step includes the design of the structural (i.e., nonfoundation or

abutment) components. Most of these elements will be designed or checked
against the capacity design forces developed for each bent. If the design
were being done for a lower seismic hazard zone, then the capacity design
process may not be required. For this example, it is required.
Design Step Seismic Detailing Requirements

Article 3.7 provides requirements for detailing as a function of the seismic

hazard level. The detailing becomes more comprehensive as the hazard
level increases. For SDR 4, the material design articles in Chapter 8
include specific and often prescriptive requirements to assure adequate
detailing. In addition, the detailing provisions include such items as when
capacity design is required versus only suggested.
For this example, the transverse reinforcing steel for the columns of Bent 3
will be designed, as will the connection reinforcement for the integral cap
beam of Bent 3.
Design Step Transverse Steel in Columns and Walls

The transverse steel will be designed by the two approaches included in

8.8.2.3 of the proposed provisions. The first method is an implicit method
where no direct calculation of the plastic shear demand is required. This
method is new to these provisions, and it is included here for comparison
and demonstration purposes. Method 2, which is the explicit approach and
does require a direct shear demand calculation, is the primary method for
use with this example. This is because Method 2 is required when SDAP E
is used.
The design of the transverse steel in columns and walls includes three
parts: 1) shear strength, 2) confinement, and 3) anti-buckling restraint.
Shear and confinement requirements have traditionally been part of the
provisions, while the anti-buckling provisions are new. All the provisions
have been made more comprehensive than those used previously, and
therefore, they appear more complex.


Design for Bent 3
L 50 . ft Column Height
D 4 . ft Column Diameter
φ 0.90 Strength Reduction Factor for Shear
Design Step Method 1: Implicit Shear Detailing Approach

8.2.1 [Guide Spec, Article 8.8.2.3] [NCHRP, Article 5.10.11.4.1c]
In potential plastic hinge zones:
Kshape := 0.32 Circular Section
ρ t := 0.014 Longitudinal Steel Content
D' := 41.48 ⋅ in Circle Diameter of Longitudinal Reinforcment
D'' := 43.375⋅ in Spiral Diameter
D'
α := α = 3.961 deg
L
fyh := 60 ⋅ ksi Yield Strength of Spiral
fsu := 1.5 ⋅ fyh fsu = 90 ksi
Λ := 2 Fixity Factor = 2 for Fixed-Fixed Conditions
2
π ⋅D
Ag := Cross-sectional Area of Column
4
2
Av := 0.8 ⋅ Ag Shear Area of Concrete Av = 1448 in


Design Step The transverse steel content is obtained by solving simultaneous equations in
8.2.1 terms of the steel ratio, ρv , and the crack angle, θ. Because these include a
(continued) trigonometric function for θ, it is easier to solve these by trial and error.
As specified in this section, the maximum spiral spacing shall not exceed
10 inches.
θ calculatedmust be greater than or

θ = 26.8 deg
equal to 25 deg.
D'' 2
Abh := ρ v ⋅ s ⋅ Abh = 0.1417 in Area of spiral req'd
2
for shear.
#5 spiral at 10-inch pitch is adequate in the potential plastic hinge zone.


Design Step The transverse steel content is obtained by solving simultaneous equations in
8.2.1 terms of the steel ratio, ρv , and the crack angle, θ. Because these include a
(continued) trigonometric function for θ, it is easier to solve these by trial and error.
Outside the potential plastic hinge zone:
f'c := 4000 ⋅ psi
vc := 2 ⋅ f'c vc := .126 ⋅ ksi
Outside the plastic hinge zone, the amount of transverse reinforcement can be
reduced to account for some contribution of the concrete in shear resistance.
vc
ρ vstar := ρ v − ρ vstar = −0.0014
fyh
Because the amount is negative, the contribution of the concrete is more than
sufficient to carry the shear.
No spiral is needed outside the plastic hinge zone.
A #5 spiral at a pitch of 10 inches would be adequate to satisfy the implicit

detailing in the plastic hinge zone only. As will be seen, the confinement
and anti-buckling provisions will control over the shear requirements.
Design Step Method 2: Explicit Shear Detailing Approach – Pmax Column

This method is required because SDAP E is used.
f'c := 4000 ⋅ psi
Check Shear and Transverse Reinforcement for Pmax Column (i.e., column with
higher compression):
Inside potential plastic hinge zones:


Design Step From the Displacement Capacity Verification, which was conducted for plastic
8.2.2 moments not amplified by the overstrength factor,
(continued)
Pd := 812 ⋅ kip
Pe := 1146 ⋅ kip
Mp_top := 3619 ⋅ ft ⋅ kip Mp_bot := 3662⋅ ft ⋅ kip
Approximate the overstrength effects simply as 1.5 times the forces from the
verification.
OS := 1.5 Overstrength Factor
(
Pe := Pd + OS ⋅ Pe − Pd ) Pe = 1313 kip
Mp_top := OS ⋅ Mp_top Mp_top = 5429 ft ⋅ kip
Mp_bot := OS ⋅ Mp_bot Mp_bot = 5493 ft ⋅ kip
( Mp_top + Mp_bot)
Vu := Vu = 218 kip
L
For shear resistance in the end regions,
Vc := 0.6⋅ f'c⋅ Av Vc := 54.9 ⋅ kip
Λ ⋅ Pe ⋅ tan ( α )
Vp := Vp = 91 kip
2
Vu
Vs := − Vc − Vp Vs = 96.9 kip
φ


Design Step 2
Guess s := 18 ⋅ in and Abh := 0.31⋅ in
8.2.2
(continued) (We will neglect the spacing limit of 10 inches
given in the implicit section for now)
2 ⋅ Abh
ρ v := ρ v = 0.00079
s ⋅ D''
Because tan(θ) is greater than tan(α), use tan(θ) to calculate Abh.
For a circular section:
A #5 spiral with a pitch of 18 inches is more than is required for shear in the
end region of the Pmax column.
Outside the plastic hinge zone:
Vc := 2.0 ⋅ f'c⋅ Av Vc := 183 ⋅ kip
Thus, the spiral spacing can be much greater than 18 inches outside the
plastic hinge zone.
Per LRFD, Article 5.10.6.2, the spiral spacing for a compression member
shall not exceed 6 inches. Therefore, #5 spiral at a pitch of 6 inches will be
used for shear throughout the column height.


Design Step Transverse Reinforcement for Confinement at Plastic Hinges –

8.2.3 Pmax Column
[Guide Spec, Article 8.8.2.4] [NCHRP, Article 5.10.11.4.1d]
fy := 60 ⋅ ksi
Usf := 15.95 ⋅ ksi strain energy capacity ( modulus of
toughness) of transverse reinforcement =
110 MPa.
2
Abh := 0.31⋅ in
2
π ⋅ ( D'')
Ac :=
4
Spacing per (8.8.2.6): s := 6 ⋅ in maximum (150 mm)
4 ⋅ Abh
For #5 spiral at 6 in: ρ s := ρ s = 0.0048 provided
s ⋅ D''
Check requirements for volumetric ratio of spiral reinforcement:
ρ s = 0.0035 min'm
4 ⋅ Abh
s := s = 8.1104 in maximum
D'' ⋅ ρ s
A #5 spiral with a pitch of 6 inches is adequate for confinement in the end
region of the Pmax column.


Design Step Method 2: Explicit Shear Detailing Approach – Pmin Column

Check Shear and Transverse Reinforcement for Pmin Column (i.e., column with
lower compression):
Inside the potential plastic hinge zone:
From the Displacement Capacity Verification, which was conducted for plastic
moments not amplified by the overstrength factor,
Pd := 812 ⋅ kip
Pe := 385⋅ kip
Mp_top := 2992 ⋅ ft ⋅ kip Mp_bot := 3088⋅ ft ⋅ kip
Approximate the overstrength effects simply as 1.5 times the forces from the
verification.
OS := 1.5 Overstrength Factor
(
Pe := Pd + OS ⋅ Pe − Pd ) Pe = 171.5 kip ( C)
Mp_top := OS ⋅ Mp_top
Mp_top = 4488 ft ⋅ kip
Mp_bot := OS ⋅ Mp_bot
Mp_bot = 4632 ft ⋅ kip
( Mp_top + Mp_bot)
Vu := Vu = 182.4 kip
L


Design Step For shear resistance in the end regions,

8.2.4
(continued)
Vc := 0.6⋅ f'c⋅ Av Vc := 54.9 ⋅ kip
Λ ⋅ Pe ⋅ tan ( α )
Vp := Vp = 12 kip
2
Vu
Vs := − Vc − Vp Vs = 135.89 kip
φ
2
Guess s := 18 ⋅ in and Abh := 0.31⋅ in
2 ⋅ Abh
ρ v := ρ v = 0.00079
s ⋅ D''
A #5 spiral with a pitch of 18 inches is more than is required for shear in the
end region of the Pmin column. As already shown, the spiral spacing can be
much greater than 18 inches outside the plastic hinge zone.
Per LRFD, Article 5.10.6.2, the spiral spacing for a compression member
shall not exceed 6 inches. Therefore, #5 spiral at a pitch of 6 inches will be
used for shear throughout the column height.


Design Step Transverse Reinforcement for Confinement at Plastic Hinges –

8.2.5 Pmin Column
[Guide Spec, Article 8.8.2.4] [NCHRP, Article 5.10.11.4.1d]
fy := 60 ⋅ ksi
Usf := 15.95 ⋅ ksi strain energy capacity ( modulus of
toughness) of transverse reinforcement =
2
Abh := 0.31⋅ in 110 MPa.
2
π ⋅ ( D'')
Ac :=
4
Spacing per (8.8.2.6): s := 6 ⋅ in maximum (150 mm)
4 ⋅ Abh
For #5 spiral at 6 in: ρ s := ρ s = 0.0048 provided
s ⋅ D''
Check requirements for volumetric ratio of spiral reinforcement:
A #5 spiral with a pitch of 6 inches is required for confinement in the end

region of the Pmin column.


Design Step Anti-Buckling Steel

8.2.6 [Guide Spec, Article 8.8.2.5] [NCHRP, Article 5.10.11.4.1e]
Transverse Reinforcement for Longitudinal Bar Restraint in Plastic Hinges -

anti-buckling steel (8.8.2.5) for both columns
db := 1.25 ⋅ in bar diameter of #10 longitudinal steel
(
s := 6 ⋅ db ) s = 7.5 in does not control because
shear requires a smaller s
s := 6 ⋅ in
Check requirement for volumetric ratio of spiral reinforcement:
Where global buckling is required to be inhibited to ensure post earthquake

repairability (not required for this example):
D s fy
ρ s := 0.024 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ρ t ⋅ ρ s = 0.0129
s db fyh
4 ⋅ Abh
s := s = 2.2157 in to prevent global buckling
D'' ⋅ ρ s (buckling over several spiral
pitches) of longitudinal
reinforcement
Where some global buckling of the longitudinal bars is tolerated but the yield
force of the longitudinal bar is to be maintained for life-safety:
D s fy
ρ s := 0.016 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ρ t ⋅ ρ s = 0.0086 controls
s db fyh


Design Step 4 ⋅ Abh

8.2.6 s := s = 3.3236in controls
(continued) D'' ⋅ ρ s
A #5 spiral with a pitch of 3.25 inches is required for confinement and anti-
buckling in the end regions of both columns. Repairability assumed not to be a
priority for Life-Safety Performance.
At the shortest pier, Bent 1, the longitudinal steel ratio is larger, because the
columns are stiffer. The pitch will be even less per this criteria. This column
has been designed with ρt of 2.4 percent (28 #11). Therefore, the pitch will be
1.56 .014
s := s ⋅ ⋅ s = 2.3814 in
1.27 .024
A #5 spiral with a pitch of 2.25 inches is required for confinement and anti-
buckling in the end regions of these columns. If we use #6 spiral, the pitch will
be 3.38 inches, slightly more reasonable.
Bundled spiral would provide some additional space. However, for

reinforcement ratios greater than 2.5 percent, this requirement will become
nearly impossible to accommodate for life safety - repairability will be worse
yet.
Because anti-buckling reinforcement is directly proportional to ρt, it will be

important in design of the columns to provide only enough longitudinal steel to
just meet the design forces. Excess steel will penalize the spiral spacing.
Design Step Extent of Shear Steel, Confinement, and Anti-Buckling Steel

8.2.7 [Guide Spec, Articles 8.8.2.6 and 4.9]
[NCHRP, Articles 5.10.11.4.1f and 3.10.3.9]
Extent of end region from the top and bottom of column shall be a distance
taken as the greater of:
D = 48 in Maximum cross-sectional dimension of

column


Design Step L
8.2.7 = 100 in One-sixth the column clear height
(continued) 6
Therefore, end regions are 13 feet long at each end of each column.


Design Step Summary of Transverse Steel Design

8.2.8
A summary of the transverse steel design of the Bent 3 columns is shown in
Table 14 and Figure 19. The end regions of the column extend 13 feet from
the top and bottom of the column. The anti-buckling restraint requires a #5
spiral at a 3.25-inch pitch over the end regions. In the center region, the
spiral pitch is set at 6 inches, the maximum limit for a spiral reinforced
compression member.
_____________________________________________________________________
Table 14
Column Transverse Steel Design Summary
_____________________________________________________________________
Bent 3 Spiral Location
Implicit Shear Detailing #5 @ 10 inches Inside the potential plastic

hinge zone
None Outside the potential plastic
hinge zone
Explicit Shear – Pmax #5 @ 18 inches Lend = 13 feet
Vc = 55 kips, Vp = 91 kips, Vs = 97 kips
Confinement – Pmax #5 @ 6 inches Lend = 13 feet
Explicit Shear – Pmin #5 @ 18 inches Lend = 13 feet
Vc = 55 kips, Vp = 12 kips, Vs = 136 kips
Confinement – Pmin #5 @ 6 inches Lend = 13 feet
Maximum Spiral Spacing in #5 @ 6 inches
Compression Member
Anti-Buckling Steel #5 @ 3.25 inches ρt = 1.4% #10 bars
Bent 1 Spiral Location
Anti-Buckling Steel #5 @ 2.25 inches ρt = 2.4% #11 bars

or
#6 @ 3.25 inches


Design Step
8.2.8
(continued)
Figure 19 – Column Transverse Reinforcement Summary


Design Step Connections, Shear Keys, Joint Designs, Restrainers, and Bearings
8.3 [Guide Spec, Article 8.8.4 for RC joint design]
[NCHRP, Article 5.12 for RC joint design]
In this portion of the example, the joint between the columns of Bent 3 and
the cap beam will be designed. The joints of the other columns and of the
column connections with the pile caps are similar.
As with the design of the transverse steel in the columns, there now is an
implicit and an explicit design procedure. The implicit procedure is easier
to use, and unlike the design of the transverse steel in the column, the
choice of whether to use the implicit or explicit is not dependent on the
SDR or seismic hazard level. Instead, it is simply the designer’s choice. If
the easier implicit method gives a result that is too difficult to construct,
then the explicit method may be used to reduce the steel congestion in the
joint. We begin this example with the explicit method.
Design Step Implicit Approach for Joint Design

8.3.1 [Guide Spec, Article 8.8.4.1] [NCHRP, Article 5.12.1]
Because we are in SDR 4, joint connections must be designed for

these provisions.
Design for Bent 3

Implicit Approach: Direct Design Guide Spec (8.8.4.1)
a) Confinement reinforcement per Guide Spec 8.8.2.4 -
See Transverse Steel Design calculation
#5 spiral @ 6 inches max spacing

b) Antibuckling reinforcement per Guide Spec 8.8.2.5 -
See Transverse Steel Design calculation
# 5 spiral @ 3.25 in max spacing


Design Step
8.3.1
(continued)
For a circular column with #5 spiral,

2
Abh := 0.31⋅ in
fyh := 60 ⋅ ksi Yield Strength of Spiral
π fyh ⋅ D''
s := Abh ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ cot ( α ) s = 13.98 in
2 Vs
ρ t := .014 Longitudinal Steel Content
fsu := 1.5 ⋅ fyh fsu = 90 ksi
2
π ⋅D
Ag := Cross-sectional Area of Column
4
2
π ⋅ D''
Ac := Cross-sectional Area of Column Core
4
φ := 0.90 Strength Reduction Factor for Shear


Design Step For a circular column, minimum ratio:

8.3.1
(continued)
ρ t fsu Ag 2
ρ s := 0.76 ⋅ ⋅ (
⋅ ⋅ tan ( α )
φ fyh Ac
) ρ s = 0.0097
4 ⋅ Abh
s := s = 2.96 in maximum
D'' ⋅ ρ s
#5 spiral @ 3 in max spacing is needed within the height of the

joint. This is very tight. We will use the explicit approach instead.
Design Step Explicit Approach for Joint Design

8.3.2 [Guide Spec, Article 8.8.4.2] [NCHRP, Article 5.12.2]
Explicit Detailed Approach Guide Spec (8.8.4.2)

Design Forces and Applied Stresses Guide Spec (8.8.4.2.1)
There are 3 cases to consider:
Case 1: From the transverse Displacement Capacity Verification

with overstrength:
Calculate principal tension stress:
fh := 0 ⋅ ksi average axial stress in the horizontal direction

Pmax := 1313 ⋅ kip
Mp := 5429 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft
at mid-depth of joint:
bb := 60 ⋅ in width of cap beam
Lmid_depth_jt := D + Hc Lmid_depth_jt = 120 in

2
Amid_depth_jt := bb ⋅ Lmid_depth_jt Amid_depth_jt = 7200 in
Pmax
fv := fv = 0.1824 ksi
Amid_depth_jt


Design Step hb := 72 ⋅ in
8.3.2 joint depth
(continued)
hc := 48 ⋅ in diameter for circular column
bje := D ⋅ 2 effective joint width for circular column
bje := bb effective joint width less than or equal

to the width of the cross beam -
controls
Mp
vhv := joint shear stress
hb ⋅ hc ⋅ bje
vhv = 0.3142 ksi
Maximum Allowable Compression Stresses Guide Spec (8.8.4.2.3)
pc_max := 0.25 ⋅ f'c pc_max = 1 ksi OK, we are less


Design Step Case 2: From the transverse Displacement Capacity Verification

8.3.2
with overstrength:
(continued)
Pmin := 172 ⋅ kip Mp := 4488 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft
By inspection, this will produce smaller principal stresses than
Case 1.
Case 3: In the longitudinal direction, with overstrength:
PDL := 812 ⋅ kip Mp := 2400 ⋅ 1.5 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft

By inspection, this will produce smaller principal stresses than
Case 1.
Design Reinforcement for Joint Force Transfer Guide Spec (8.8.4.3)

Stirrups Guide Spec (8.8.4.3.2):
Column has 20 #10 vertical bars
2
Abar := 1.27 ⋅ in Nbar := 20
AST := Abar ⋅ Nbar
Ajv := 0.16 ⋅ AST

2
Using #5 stirrups, Astirrup_leg := 0.31⋅ in
Ajv
= 13.1097 13 #5 legs required in each
Astirrup_leg
quadrant (see Figures 20 & 21)
Clamping Guide Spec (8.8.4.3.2):
Aclamp := 0.08 ⋅ AST
Aclamp
= 6.5548 7 #5 legs required in joint core
Astirrup_leg
(see Figures 20 & 21)


Design Step
8.3.2
(continued)
Figure 20 – Plan Layout of Joint Reinforcement


Design Step
8.3.2
(continued)
Figure 21 – Elevation of Joint Reinforcement


Design Step Horizontal reinforcement Guide Spec (8.8.4.3.3)

8.3.2
(continued) Ah := 0.08 ⋅ AST
2
Using #9 bars, Abar := 1.0 ⋅ in
Ah
= 2.032 2 #9 bars required in bottom of cap
Abar
beam
Spiral reinforcement Guide Spec (8.8.4.3.4)
lac := 48 ⋅ in development length of #10 per LRFD 5.11.2.1
AST
ρ s := 0.4 ⋅ ρ s = 0.0044
2
lac
2
Aspiral := 0.31⋅ in
D'' := 43.375⋅ in Spiral Diameter
Aspiral
s := 4 ⋅ s = 6.4829 in
ρ s ⋅ D''
#5 spiral at 6 in pitch required in the
joint
Design Step Summary of Joint Reinforcement

8.3.3
Figure 21 shows the joint reinforcement required for the condition where
the explicit method is used to design the joint.


Design Step Superstructure Checks/Design Requirements

The superstructure check has not been included in this design example.
Design Step Cap Beams and Diaphragms

8.5 [Guide Spec, Articles 4.8, 8.8.4, and 8.5.1.1]
[NCHRP, Articles 3.10.3.8, 5.12, and 11.6.5.1]
The cap beam and diaphragm designs have not been included in this
design example.


Design Step 9, Design Foundations
DESIGN STEP 9 DESIGN FOUNDATIONS
In this example, a portion of the foundation design for Bent 3 (Pier 4) will
be illustrated. Shown will be the calculation of the capacity design forces
acting on the pile cap and the piles of Bent 3. A combined pile cap that is
connected to both columns of the bent has been selected in the preliminary
design. This was done because the construction of the foundations will
require a cofferdam, and due to the proximity of the columns to one
another, it was felt that a single excavation and cofferdam will be used.
Therefore, a combined cap, with its ability to better mobilize the pile axial
forces, was selected.

Article 3.7 outlines the detailing requirements categories (SDRs) based on

seismic hazard level. The detailing requirements increase in complexity
with increasing hazard level. For SDR 4, the provisions for detailing are
included in Chapter 8. For the foundations of Bent 3, the detailing
requirements will cover the forces used in the design of the caps and piles in
addition to prescriptive details for the connections and longitudinal and
transverse steel in the piles.
Design Step Footings, Piles, and Shafts

9.2 [Guide Spec, Articles 4.8, 8.8.5, and 8.4.3]
[NCHRP, Articles 3.10.3.8, 5.14.4, and 10.7.4]
Design/Check of the Pile Group.

The following ultimate pile capacities are assumed. Geotechnical
information is provided in Appendix A.
C ult 800 . kip
Tult 900 . kip
Use plastic overstrength values from the Seismic Displacement

Capacity Verification for the transverse direction.
Note also that the strength reduction factor for piles is 1.0 for the seismic
loading cases, per Article 8.4.3.1.


Design Step Determine Axial Forces in Piles

Refer to Figure 10 for pile layout and Figure 22 for forces acting on the
foundation.
Figure 22 – Foundation Forces


Design Step P1 172 . kip P2 1313 . kip

9.2.1
(continued) M p1 4632 . kip . ft M p2 5493 . kip . ft
V p1 182 . kip V p2 218 . kip
h cap 5 . ft
a) Compute Pile Axial Loads from Vertical Forces
kip
w soil 2 . ft . 22 . ft . 46 . ft . .120 . w soil = 243 kip
3
ft
Pu P1 P2 w soil
Np 16 Number of piles in group
Pu
P pile
Np
P pile = 108 kip
b) Include Effects from Moment
Mu M p1 M p2 V p1 V p2 . h cap P2 P 1 . 11.25 . ft
M u = 24961 kip . ft


Design Step Assume that the pile cap is rigid. Use the "parallel axis theorem,"
9.2.1
as was done for computing the rotational springs for the foundation
(continued)
Distance to pile row i from group center # pile per row
x1 20 . ft N1 3
x2 12 . ft N2 2
x3 4 . ft N3 3
x4 4 . ft N4 3
x5 12 . ft N5 2
x6 20 . ft N6 3
2 2 2 2 2 2
x sum x 1 .N 1 x 2 .N 2 x 3 .N 3 x 4 .N 4 x 5 .N 5 x 6 .N 6
2
x sum = 3072 ft
c) Compute Pile Combined Axial Load

M u .x 1
P x1 P pile P max P x1
x sum
P max = 271 kip

M u .x 6
P x6 P pile P min P x6
x sum
P min = 55 kip
C ult > P max OK
T ult > P min OK


Design Step Determine Transverse Forces on Piles

a) Recall Maximum Pile Shears and Moments from Pushover

Analysis, including overstrength
Vu V p1 V p2
V u = 400 kip
Determine portion of shear resisted by the passive soil pressure

acting against the pilecap and portion of shear resisted by the
piles.
kip
KT 447000 .
ft
kip
K passive 11000 .
ft
K piles KT K passive
Vu
∆ u ∆ u = 0.001 ft ok, less than 0.02h = 0.01 ft
KT
V passive ∆ u . K passive V passive = 10 kip
V piles ∆ u . K piles V piles = 390 kip
V passive V piles = 400 kip checks, since

V passive V piles = V u
V piles
V pile
Np
V pile = 24 kip


Design Step Recall that LPILE run for pile lateral stiffness for V = 50 kip
9.2.2
produced a maximum moment in the pile of 94 kip-ft. See
(continued)
Appendix A for moment vs. depth plot for Bent 3 from LPILE,
therefore
V pile
M pile . 94 . kip . ft
50 . kip
M pile = 46 kip . ft
Pile moment capacity is okay per the interaction diagram for the pile section
at the base of the pile cap. See PCA column interaction diagram in Figure 23.
Design Step Check the Longitudinal Direction

Determine Axial Forces in Piles
P DL 812 . kip
Mp 2400 . kip . ft
M po M p . 1.5
L 50 . ft
Mp
Vp 2.
L
h cap 5 . ft


Design Step
9.2.3
(continued)
Figure 23 – Pile Top Interaction Diagram


Design Step a) Compute Pile Axial Loads from Vertical Forces

9.2.3
(continued) kip
w soil 2 . ft . 22 . ft . 46 . ft . .120 . w soil = 243 kip
3
ft
Pu 2 . P DL w soil
Np 16 Number of piles in group
Pu
P pile
Np
P pile = 117 kip
b) Include Effects from Moment
Mu 2 . M po 2 . V p . h cap
M u = 8160 kip . ft
Distance to pile row i from group center # pile per row
x1 8 . ft N1 6
x2 0 . ft N2 4
x3 8 . ft N3 6
2 2 2
x sum x 1 .N 1 x 2 .N 2 x 3 .N 3
2
x sum = 768 ft


Design Step c) Compute Pile Combined Axial Load

9.2.3
(continued) M u .x 1
P x1 P pile P max P x1
x sum
P max = 202 kip

M u .x 6
P x6 P pile P min P x6
x sum
P min = 96 kip
C ult > P max OK
T ult > P min OK
Determine Transverse Pile Forces
a) Determine Maximum Pile Shears and Moments
Vu Vp
V u = 96 kip
Determine portion of shear resisted by the passive soil pressure

acting against the pilecap and portion of shear resisted by the
piles.
kip
KT 459000 .
ft
kip
K passive 23000 .
ft
K piles KT K passive
Vu
∆ u ∆ u = 0.0002 ft
KT


Design Step V passive ∆ u . K passive

9.2.3
(continued)
V piles ∆ u . K piles
V passive V piles = 96 kip
V piles
V pile
Np
V pile = 6 kip
Recall that LPILE run for pile lateral stiffness for V = 50 kip
produced a maximum moment in the pile of 94 kip-ft. See
Appendix for moment vs. depth plot for Bent 3 from LPILE,
therefore
V pile
M pile . 94 . kip . ft
50 . kip
M pile = 11 kip . ft Pile moment capacity OK
Pile design must also satisfy the detailing requirements of Article 8.8.5 for
SDR 4. In this example, the piles must also satisfy the requirements for
the liquefied soil condition and any lateral spreading demands arising from
liquefaction. The piles are 24-inch steel pipes with 1/2-inch-thick walls
that are in turn filled with reinforced concrete. The longitudinal
reinforcement is 16 #8 bars that extend over the upper roughly one-third of
the pile length. A nominal cage also extends to the bottom of the pile,
which is closed off with a steel plate to prevent a soil plug from forming
during driving.
The detailing provisions will require that the connection of the pile to the
cap be adequate to transfer the expected forces. The longitudinal steel
from the reinforcement cage in the pile should extend to the top of the pile
cap so that a proper load path exists for transferring tension from the pile
to cap.


A nominal spiral will be required below the plastic hinge zone that exists
in the pile adjacent to the base of the pile cap. The nominal spiral will
extend to the bottom of the pile and serve to hold the cage together for
handling. A heavier spiral is not required in this case because the steel
pipe can provide confinement to the concrete core and shear resistance.
The exception is the upper portion of the pile (upper 1.5 diameters) where
a spiral that meets Article 5.14.4.6.2b should be included.
Design Step Connections, Joint Designs

9.3 [Guide Spec, Article 8.8.4] [NCHRP, Article 5.12]
The connection design of the column to the pile cap is handled similarly to
the design of the column-cap beam connection. Because that connection
design was illustrated in Design Step 8, the similar design for the
foundation will not be repeated here.
The design of the pile cap for the capacity design forces input by the
columns at their overstrength is fairly straightforward once the forces are
obtained. Because capacity design is being used in this example for the
foundations, the resistance factor (or strength reduction factor) for flexure
is taken as 1.0 per Article 8.8.2.2; and for shear, it is taken as the normal
0.9 for normal weight concrete.


Design Step 10, Design Abutments
DESIGN STEP 10 DESIGN ABUTMENTS
The detailed design of the abutments is not included in this design

example. The backfill passive resistance in the longitudinal direction has
been relied upon for seismic loading in this example. Details of considering
this effect were discussed in Chapter 4. Thus the force values have been
developed, and they are consistent with the prescriptive provisions
included in Chapter 8.5 of the proposed LRFD provisions. From this point,
the end diaphragm must be designed to accommodate the passive forces
expected from the soil. This is a straightforward design.
The transverse forces and associated load path must also be considered in
the abutment design. In general, the abutment design forces will be the
elastic forces associated with the design earthquakes. This bridge is
relatively long and slender; thus the transverse forces at the abutments
are not expected to pose any problem in design. The design would be
handled in the conventional manner.
The active forces from the soil would be considered in the static design;
however, the status of applying the seismic active forces, particularly to
the stub abutment itself, has not been resolved yet in the provisions.

As with the rest of the structure and foundations, specific detailing

requirements are included in the provisions. The complexity and rigor of
these increase as a function of seismic hazard level. The requirements
control the design force level, i.e., whether and how capacity design
principles are applied, and they provide prescriptive detailing
requirements that are aimed at ensuring integrity and ductility in the
structure.
Design Step Shear Keys and Connections

The abutment shear keys have not been designed in this example.
Design Step Footings, Piles, and Shafts

10.3 [Guide Spec, Articles 8.4.3 and 8.5] [NCHRP, Articles 10.7 and 11.6.5]
The design of the piles and cap/stub abutment have not been discussed in
this example.


Design Step 11, Consideration of Liquefaction Induced Flow or
Lateral Spreading
DESIGN STEP 11 CONSIDERATION OF LIQUEFACTION-INDUCED FLOW

OR LATERAL SPREADING
As discussed previously, this design example only focused on the design of

the bridge for the nonliquefied conditions. The Liquefaction Study Report
discusses the design for liquefied and lateral spread conditions.
It is recognized in the provisions that two phenomena are likely with

liquefaction, one is the reduced soil strength and stiffness associated with
the rise in pore water pressure, and the second is the potential lateral
movement of layers or blocks of soil as a result of the loss of strength and
stiffness.
The approach taken in the provisions is to design the structure for

vibration of the structure, including both nonliquefied and liquefied
conditions. This basically addresses the first phenomenon. Then assess
the structure for the effects of lateral movement of the soil and determine
whether the structure can meet the performance objective as designed for
vibration or whether some type of structural or ground improvement will
be required.
The assessment should include all potential beneficial factors in reducing

likely ground displacements. Such factors include the pinning or passive
pile effects of the structure foundations. The overall objective is to extract
as much as possible out of the structure, as designed for vibration. This
also includes allowing substantial plastic deformation of the foundations if
the performance objective is life safety in the MCE event. Such practice is
a departure from the traditional objective of preventing damage to the
foundation.
Design Step Evaluation of Foundation Displacement Demands and Capacities

11.1 [Guide Spec, Appendix D] [NCHRP, Appendix 3B.4.2.2]
Although not discussed in this example, Appendix D, of the Guide

Specification, includes a detailed procedure for assessing the foundation
elements under loading induced by lateral soil movements. This procedure
was applied in the design of the bridge foundations, even though it is not
discussed herein.


Design Step 11, Consideration of Liquefaction Induced Flow or
Lateral Spreading
Design Step Ground Improvement and Structural Improvement

11.2 [Guide Spec, Appendix D4.3] [NCHRP, Appendix 3B.4.2.2]
This particular structure would likely require some ground improvements

to meet the life-safety performance objective in the MCE event. The
foundation pile systems are subject to lateral soil movement-induced loads
that cause substantial plastic deformation of the piles. While this is
permitted by the new provisions, limits are set for these deformations. In
this case, ground improvement will substantially reduce these demands.
Envisioned for the bridge are stone columns that will serve to reduce the
liquefaction and lateral spread potential. Such ground improvements, then
provide the additional benefit of reducing the inelastic demands on the
foundations.
The reader is referred to the Liquefaction Study Report (NCHRP b, 2001)

for more details.


Design Step 12, Seismic Design Complete?
DESIGN STEP 12 SEISMIC DESIGN COMPLETE?
The seismic design process is by nature an iterative one, and one that may
not always be applied in a purely sequential fashion. For instance, one
may determine that a preselected configuration, member size, or layout
may not work, and at that time the design is revised and the process
iterated. Thus, one may not work through the entire process before a
decision to iterate is made. The layout and flowchart for this example are
meant to be illustrative of the design process, and they do not need to be
followed rigorously. They are meant only to provide a general framework
for the seismic design process.

SECTION IV CLOSING STATEMENT
SECTION IV CLOSING STATEMENT
The design of this five-span bridge has focused on the nonliquefied site
condition, and has not directly addressed the liquefied and the lateral
spreading loadings. The process of applying the proposed LRFD provisions
has been illustrated for selected portions of the design of the bridge. A
single iteration through the design process has been included in this
example, and thus some refinements would be possible upon further
iteration.
A companion document, Liquefaction Study Report, which was also

developed as part of the NCHRP 12-49 project, includes discussion of the
liquefied site condition and the lateral spread loading condition. It should,
therefore, be recognized that some of the member sizes are controlled by
conditions associated with the liquefied state. For instance, the pile forces
calculated as part of this example were shown to be quite low, and they
would be expected to be somewhat larger for the other load conditions.
No attempt was made in the design example to refine the column

longitudinal steel design as a result of the Displacement Capacity
Verification or pushover. Per the provisions, a limited reduction in the
design moment demands is allowed if the pushover indicates that there
exists reserve displacement capacity in the columns. In this example,
some such reserve was available; thus some reduction in the longitudinal
steel content at Bent 3 would be permitted. With the addition of
requirements for anti-buckling reinforcement, which is directly
proportional to ρ of the column, the designer may wish to optimize on ρ in
order to minimize the spiral requirements.
Although the new provisions appear more complex than Division I-A, they
are also more comprehensive and include more alternatives for seismic
design It is felt that the additional effort required beyond that of
Division I-A will be offset by the savings in design time provided by the
more comprehensive nature of the specification. This should ultimately
help the designer in applying the provisions by alleviating the need for
undo interpretation and debate on what should be done.
MCEER/ATC-49-2 4-1 SECTION IV

SECTION V REFERENCES
SECTION V REFERENCES
AASHTO (Interim 1999), AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.
CSI (2000). SAP2000, Release 7.40, Computers and Structures, Inc.,

Berkeley, CA.
FHWA (1995), Seismic Retrofitting Manual for Highway Bridges, Report

No. FHWA-RD-94-052, Office of Engineering and Highway Operations
Research and Development, Federal Highway Administration,
McLean, VA.
Frankel, A.D. and E.V. Leyendecker (2000), Uniform Hazard Response

Spectra and Seismic Hazard Curves for the United States, CD-ROM
Published by U.S. Geological Survey National Seismic Hazard
Mapping Project, March.
NCHRP(a) (2001), NCHRP Project 12-49, Comprehensive Specification for

the Seismic Design of Bridges, Revised LRFD Design Specifications,
Third Draft, National Cooperative Highway Research Program,
Transportation Research Board, National Research Council,
Washington, DC, March 2001.
NCHRP(b) (2001), NCHRP Project 12-49, Liquefaction Study Report, National

Cooperative Highway Research Program, Transportation Research Board,
National Research Council, Washington, DC, August 2001.
Priestley, M.J.N., F. Seible, G.M. Calvi (1996), Seismic Design and Retrofit
of Bridges, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York.
Reese, L.C., S.T. Wang, J.S. Arrellaga, J. Hendrix (1998) LPILE plus,
ENSOFT, Inc., Austin, TX.
WSDOT (2000) Washington State Department of Transportation, Bridge

Design Manual, M23-50 (including interims through September,
2000).
MCEER/ATC 49 (2003), Recommended LRFD Guidelines for the Seismic

Design of Highway Bridges, Part I: Specifications and Part 2:
Commentary and Appendices, Multidisciplinary Center for
Earthquake Engineering Research, and Applied Technology Council,
Redwood City, CA.
MCEER/ATC-49-2 5-1 SECTION V

Appendix A
Geotechnical Data
_________________________________________________________________
MCEER/ATC-49-2 6-2 APPENDIX A
















Pier 4 (Bent 3)

Pier 4 (Bent 3)

Pier 4 (Bent 3)

Pier 4 (Bent 3)

Pier 4 (Bent 3)


Relationship between the adhesion factor and undrained shear strength su. (from sources noted).





Appendix B
SAP2000 Input
_________________________________________________________________
Joint Numbers
MCEER/ATC-49-2 7-2 APPENDIX B

Member Numbers

NCHRP 12-49 DESIGN EXAMPLE 8/ 2500 YR EQ / NON-LIQUEFIED / FOUNDATION SPRINGS







NCHRP 12-49 DESIGN EXAMPLE 8/ 100 YR EQ / NON-LIQUEFIED / FOUNDATION SPRINGS







Appendix C
Pushover Data
_________________________________________________________________
BENT 3
NCHRP 12-49 WASHINGTON SITE/ PIER 4 PUSHOVER /NON-LIQUEFIED FOUNDATION
MCEER/ATC-49-2 8-2 APPENDIX C












DESIGN EXAMPLE NO. 2LRFD
PURPOSE This is the ninth in a series of seismic design examples originally developed
OF DESIGN for the FHWA. The original seven examples were developed to illustrate
EXAMPLE the use of the AASHTO Division I-A Specification for seismic design. The
eighth and ninth examples illustrate the use of the Recommended LRFD
Guidelines for the Seismic Design of Highway Bridges, MCEER/ATC 49
(2003) for seismic design, which is a comprehensive revision of the
AASHTO seismic design provisions. Each example emphasizes different
features that must be considered in the seismic analysis and design
process. The matrix below is a summary of the features of the nine
examples. The ninth example, Design Example No. 2LRFD, is intended to
illustrate the use of the Recommended LRFD Guidelines for the Seismic
Design of Highway Bridges, MCEER/ATC 49 (2003) on the bridge in the
original Design Example No. 2.
DESIGN DESIGN SUPER-

EXAMPLE EXAMPLE SEISMIC PLAN STRUCTURE PIER ABUTMENT FOUNDATION CONNECTIONS
NO. DESCRIPTION CATEGORY GEOMETRY TYPE TYPE TYPE TYPE AND JOINTS
1 Two-Span SPC - C Tangent CIP Concrete Three-Column Seat Spread Monolithic Joint at Pier
Continuous Square Box Integral Stub Base Footings Expansion Bearing
Bent at Abutment
2 Three-Span SPC - B Tangent Steel Girder Wall Type Tall Spread Elastomeric
Continuous Skewed Pier Seat Footings Bearing Pads
(Piers and Abutments)
AASHTO
3 Single-Span SPC - C Tangent Precast (N/A) Tall Spread Elastomeric
Square Concrete Seat Footings Bearing Pads
Girders (Closed-In)
Monolithic at Col. Tops
4 Three-Span SPC - C Tangent CIP Concrete Two-Column Seat Spread Pinned Column at Base
Continuous Skewed Integral Footings Expansion Bearings
Bent at Abutments
Nine-Span Viaduct
5 with Four-Span SPC - B Curved Steel Girder Single-Column Seat Steel H-Piles Conventional Steel Pins
and Five-Span Square (Variable and
Continuous Structs. Heights) PTFE Sliding Bearings
Sharply- Drilled Shaft
6 Three-Span SPC - C Curved CIP Concrete Single Column Monolithic at Piers, Monolithic Concrete Joints
Continuous Square Box Steel Piles
at Abutments
AASHTO
7 12-Span Viaduct SPC - B Tangent Precast Pile Bents Seat Concrete Piles Pinned and
with (3) Four-Span Square Concrete (Battered and and Expansion Bearings
Structures Girders Plumb) Steel Piles

DESIGN DESIGN
EXAMPLE EXAMPLE
NO. DESCRIPTION
Stub CIP
Monolithic at Interior
CIP Two-Column Abutment Concrete
Five-Span Tangent Piers
8 SDAP E Concrete Box Integral with Over- Piles with
Continuous Square Expansion Bearings at
Girder Bent hanging Steel
Abutments
Diaphragm Casings
Four- Conventional and
Three-Span SDAP A2 Tangent Column Bent Tall Spread Elastomeric
2LRFD Steel Girder
Continuous and C Skewed and Wall Seat Footings Bearing Pads
Type Pier (Piers and Abutments)
REFERENCE Example Nos. 1 through 7 conform to the following specifications.

AASHTO
SPECIFICATIONS AASHTO Division I (herein referred to as “Division I”)
Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, American Association of

State Highway and Transportation Officials, Inc., 15th Edition, as
amended by the Interim Specifications-Bridges-1993 through 1995.
AASHTO Division I-A (herein referred to as “Division I-A” or the

“Specification”)
Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, Division I-A, Seismic Design,

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Inc.,
15th Edition, as amended by the Interim Specifications-Bridges-1995.
Example Nos. 8 and 2LRFD conform to the following.

Bridges, MCEER/ATC 49 (2003) (herein referred to as the Guide
Specification)
Additionally, these examples cross reference the original NCHRP

Specification that is the source document of the Guide Specification.
NCHRP 12-49 Comprehensive Specification for the Seismic Design

of Bridges, Revised LRFD Design Specifications, Third Draft,
March 2001.

FLOWCHARTS This ninth example follows the outline given in detailed flowcharts
AND presented in Section II, Flowcharts. The flowchart generally follows the
DESIGN STEPS one currently used in the proposed seismic Guide Specification.
The purpose of Design Steps is to present the information covered by the

example in a logical and sequential manner that allows for easy
referencing within the example itself. Each Design Step has a unique
number in the left margin of the calculation document. The title is located
to the right of the Design Step number. Where appropriate, a reference to
both the Guide Specification and the NCHRP Specification follows the title.

USE OF In the example, two primary type fonts have been used. One font, similar
DIFFERENT to the type used for textbooks, is used for all section headings and for
TYPE FONTS commentary. The other, an architectural font that appears hand printed, is
used for all primary calculations. The material in the architectural font is
the essential calculation material and essential results.
An example of the use of the fonts is shown below.

USE OF To provide consistent results and quality control, all calculations have been
MATHCAD® performed using the program Mathcad®.
The variables used in equations calculated by the program are defined

before the equation, and the definition of either a variable or an equation
is distinguished by a ‘:=’ symbol. The echo of a variable or the result of a
calculation is distinguished by a ‘=’ symbol, i.e., no colon is used.
Note that Mathcad® carries the full precision of the variables throughout
the calculations, even though the listed result of a calculation is rounded
off. Thus, hand-calculated checks made using intermediate rounded
results may not yield the same result as the number being checked.
Also, Mathcad® does not allow the superscript “ ´ ” to be used in a variable

name. Therefore, the specified compressive strength of concrete is defined
as f`c in this example (not f´c).

BASIC BRIDGE The bridge is to be built in the northeast United States along the Merrimack
DATA River. Two sites along the river are investigated in the subsequent sections.
Two earthquake loadings will be considered in the design, one for a rare
event, called the maximum considered earthquake (MCE), and one for a
frequent or expected event. The rare event has a 3 percent chance of
exceedence in 75 years, and the frequent event has a 50 percent chance of
exceedence in 75 years. Seventy-five years is the nominal “design life” of a
bridge as defined by the LRFD Specifications.
The configuration of the bridge is a three-span steel plate girder

superstructure with a composite deck. The substructure and bearing
elements vary in subsequent sections for purposes of illustrating different
aspects of design. The bridge is located on a rock site and all footings are
founded on rock. The rock is a hard, fresh, and sound quartz biotite schist
at all locations over the site. Figure 1 (a to f) provides details of the bridge
configuration and Appendix A contains the geotechnical information for the
site.
The alignment of the roadway over the bridge is straight and there is no
vertical curve. The bridge has a 25-degree skew at all four substructure
elements.
The bridge spans a river, and the two intermediate piers are located within
the normal flow of the river. Due to the presence of the piers in the river,
flow issues and ice loading have required that the intermediate piers have
thick cross sections.
REQUIRED Design the bridge for seismic loading using the Recommended LRFD
Guidelines for the Seismic Design of Highway Bridges, MCEER/ATC 49
(2003).
FEATURES ISSUES EMPHASIZED FOR THIS EXAMPLE
Proposed LRFD Seismic Guide Specification, including
■ Basic Application of the Provisions

■ SDAP C Capacity Spectrum Analysis with Conventional Bearings
■ SDAP C Capacity Spectrum Analysis with Seismic Isolation Systems
■ Consideration of Elastomeric Bearings
■ SDAP A2 Provisions

ROADMAP Design Example No. 2LRFD is separated into sections to address several
different applications of SDAP A2 and C provisions.
Section III illustrates the SDAP C Capacity Spectrum Method on a bridge

with conventional, mechanical bearings. The original bridge, with wall
piers and elastomeric bearings requires the use of Isolation Provisions.
The Isolation Provisions are a special aspect and a more straightforward
initial application of the method is desirable. Because conventional
bearings that do not permit transverse movement cannot be used with a
wall pier (disallowed for the Capacity Spectrum approach, Guide
Specification, Article 4.4.2), the wall piers were replaced with multicolumn
bents for the purposes of the example.
Section IV illustrates the SDAP C Capacity Spectrum Method with Seismic

Isolation, applying it directly to the original bridge with wall piers and
elastomeric bearings. The difference in application of the method with and
without isolation is then apparent by comparing Sections III and IV.
Section V illustrates the SDAP A2 provisions for the bridge of Section III,
with conventional bearings.
Section VI illustrates the SDAP A2 provisions for the bridge of Section IV,
with elastomeric bearings.

BRIDGE DATA
(continued)
Figure 1a ⎯ Bridge No. 2LRFD - Plan and Elevation

BRIDGE DATA
(continued)
Figure 1b ⎯ Bridge No. 2LRFD - Typical Cross Section

BRIDGE DATA
(continued)
Figure 1c ⎯ Bridge No. 2LRFD - Seat-Type Abutment

BRIDGE DATA
(continued)
Figure 1d ⎯ Bridge No. 2LRFD – Four-Column Bent Elevation

(for Section III)

BRIDGE DATA
(continued)
Figure 1e ⎯ Bridge No. 2LRFD – Wall Pier Elevation

(for Section IV)

BRIDGE DATA
(continued)
Figure 1f ⎯ Bridge No. 2LRFD – Plate Girder Detail



SECTION III SDAP C CONVENTIONAL BEARING EXAMPLE

The bridge is located on the north Merrimack River, north of Concord, New
Hampshire. The preliminary design of the bridge has been completed.
Conventional, mechanical bearings that restrain both longitudinal and

transverse movements and which allow rotation about axes perpendicular
to each girder are used at both bents, and sliding bearings are used at the
abutments. The intermediate substructures are four-column bents with
cap beams that support the bearings and superstructure. Seismic behavior
will be as shown in Figure 2. Thermal loads induced by conventional
bearings may pose a problem in design of the substructure and foundation.
Thermal loads are neglected in this design example. It is assumed in this
example that nonseismic considerations lead to the column diameter of 5
feet and reinforcement ratio of 1 percent.


In this example, the ERS includes conventional inelastic action (plastic hinging)
in the columns.


ERS and earthquake resisting elements (ERE). This concept is new and it
organizes commonly occurring systems and elements into three categories:
1) Permissible, 2) Permissible with Owner’s Approval, and 3) Not
Recommended for New Bridges.
In this example, the bridge system is classified as “Permissible.”


DESIGN STEP 1
(continued)
Figure 2 ⎯ Seismic Behavior with Conventional Bearings



The bridge has three spans that total 400 feet. The end spans are 124 feet,
the center span is 152 feet, and the bridge superstructure is steel plate
girders with a composite concrete deck. Because no span is longer than
500 feet, and the construction is conventional, the Specification applies.

required for all bridges. This is the case for both the MCE and the Frequent
earthquake.
performance level implies that for the Frequent earthquake minimal
implies that in the MCE earthquake significant damage is expected, and
the bridge will likely not be available to full traffic following an
earthquake. The bridge may, in fact, be damaged to the point where it
needs to be replaced following the MCE event. Displacement limits are
established by the provisions to guide the designer in assessing
geometrically what is implied by the specified service levels. Per the LRFD
Guide Specification, displacements should be checked “to satisfy geometric,
Table C3.2-1 of the Specification.

The site is on the north Merrimack River, north of Concord, New Hampshire.
Using national ground motion maps, the MCE short-period (0.2 second)
acceleration, SS, is 0.46g and the 1.0-second acceleration, S1, is 0.12g.


The spectral accelerations for the Frequent earthquake were determined by

the geotechnical engineer, and likewise are based on national ground motion
maps. The short-period (0.2 second) acceleration, SS, is 0.15g and the
1.0-second acceleration, S1, as 0.04g.

The site class is B because the founding soil is rock. In this case, the shear
wave velocity is taken as greater than 2,500 feet per second.

The site coefficient for the short-period range, Fa, is 1.0 for site Class B.
The site coefficient for the long-period range, Fv, is 1.0 for site Class B.
The site coefficient for the long-period range, Fv, is 1.0 site Class B.

Not computed. See Design Step 3.

The bridge site is in the eastern part of the United States where vertical
acceleration effects are not required to be considered in the design.



FaSs = 0.46 and FvS1 = 0.12.
The Seismic Hazard Level is III.
By Table 3.7-1, the Seismic Hazard Level is III because FaSs exceeds 0.35.
Based on FvS1, the Seismic Hazard Level would only be I. The controlling
value is taken to be the more restrictive of the two values.

SDAP C will be used.

table suggests either B, C, D, or E can be used for the Life-Safety
performance level in Seismic Hazard Level III. For this example, use
SDAP C.
In general, the capacity spectrum design approach may begin with a

structure designed for nonseismic load cases. Then the structure is
checked for seismic adequacy, and elements that are not adequate are
revised to meet the requirements. Adequacy is checked for those elements
that are part of the primary ERS, such as columns. If their lateral
resistance is sufficient, then the remainder of the structure is designed
using the capacity protection procedures of Section 4.8. If the lateral
resistance is not adequate, then it is increased until it is acceptable, then
capacity protection is used for the remainder of the design.

SDR 3 is applicable for SDAP C.

Hazard Level III, Table 3.7-2 requires SDR 3. The detailing provisions for
subsequent design steps in this design example.


SDAP C Capacity Spectrum Design Method

This method combines a demand and capacity analysis, including the effect
of inelastic behavior of ductile earthquake resisting elements. It applies
only to single degree of freedom systems and is restricted to bridges that
meet the regularity requirements of Guide Specification 4.4.2.
Check the regularity requirements of Guide Specification 4.4.2
a) Bridge has three spans, less than six maximum.

b) Bridge has three spans, which is equal to minimum number required.
c) Sliding bearings at abutments do not resist significant seismic forces in
either direction.
d) Maximum span length is 152 feet, less than 200-foot maximum.
e) Ratio of span lengths is 1.22, less than maximum of 1.5.
f) No pier walls.
g) The maximum skew angle is 25 degrees, less than the maximum of
30 degrees. Piers are parallel to each other.
h) Bridge is not horizontally curved.
g) Bent stiffnesses are equal.
h) Bent strengths are equal.
i) There is no potential for liquefaction.
Note that the requirement that the abutments resist no significant lateral
forces means that the superstructure must carry the inertial forces to the
two piers with diaphragm action. This means the superstructure must be
designed to effectively cantilever laterally to the abutments.
The capacity spectrum method does not require the consideration of

earthquake loading in two directions, simultaneously. Thus the SRSS or
100%-40% directional combination rules are not used. For this reason, the
checks of the substructure against the basic relationship of the capacity


spectrum method will be made independently in each direction. Thus the

remaining design steps of the example, as outlined in the flowcharts, will
DESIGN STEP 4 be executed first for the longitudinal direction then repeated for the
(continued) transverse direction.
In the case of the skew, checks will actually be in the weak direction of the
bent and then in the strong direction of the bent. The pinned bearings are
assumed to be rotationally released on an axis along the skewed bent. This
is true even though the bearings are oriented such that rotation is
perpendicular to the girder line. The least resistance to rotation is about
an axis along the skewed bent. This behavior was discussed in the original
Design Example 2. The superstructure design will require that the weak
and strong direction results be resolved into longitudinal and transverse
forces.
The SDAP C process is described in Sections 4.4.1 and 5.4.1 of the Guide
Specification. As applied here as a design check, the process applied is as
follows: First, the vertical and ‘lateral’ weights tributary to each pier are
calculated. For the most part, the check will be executed on a pier-by-pier
basis. These weights will be used for the checks of both the frequent and
MCE earthquakes. The check for the frequent earthquake requires that
the yield displacement be calculated for use in the basic capacity spectrum
relationship. Because the structure should remain essentially elastic in
the frequent earthquake, the yield displacement is used directly in the
basic relationship. The check for the MCE earthquake requires that a
minimum value of Cs∆ be supplied. Thus the design check can be
accomplished by first calculating the structure Cs, then calculating a
required minimum displacement capacity to be supplied. Then check the
actual capacity against this value for the worst pier.
Design Step Frequent Earthquake (50% in 75 years)

4.1 Longitudinal/Weak Direction
Fv := 1.0
S1 := 0.04
Design Step Effective Weights

4.1.1
Calculate the weight of the superstructure and distribute to the bent
columns.


Design Step The total superstructure weight is made up of the following:

4.1.1
(continued)
kip
wmisc := 3.69⋅ Weight of overlay, deck forms, barriers,
ft and crossframes/stiffeners
kip
wdeck := 8.16 ⋅ Weight of deck and sidewalks
ft
kip
wgirders := 2.0 ⋅ Assumed "average" weight of girders
ft
Actual is 3.04 kip/ft at the piers and
1.63 kip/ft at minimum depth.
L := 400 ⋅ ft Length of bridge
(
Wsuper := wmisc + wdeck + wgirders ⋅ L )
Wsuper = 5540 kip
Estimate the vertical load, Ppier:
124 ⋅ 5 ⋅ ft 152 ⋅ ft
+
8 2
Ppier := Wsuper ⋅
400 ⋅ ft
Ppier = 2126 kip
Estimate the dead load of column, Pcol:
Dcol := 5 ⋅ ft
Hclr := 30.5⋅ ft
π 2 kip
Pcol := ⋅ Dcol ⋅ 0.15 ⋅ ⋅ Hclr Pcol = 90 kip
4 3
ft


Estimate the weight of the cap beam, Pcap_bm:

kip
Pcap_bm := ( 6 ⋅ ft) ⋅ ( 5 ⋅ ft) ⋅ ( 74 ⋅ ft) ⋅ 0.15 ⋅ Pcap_bm = 333 kip
3
ft
Total dead load at bottom of column:
Ppier Pcap_bm
Pcol_dl := + + Pcol Pcol_dl = 705 kip
4 4
Design Step Yield Displacement

4.1.2
Compute the yield displacement, ∆y for each column and each pier, which is the
same for the two piers. Columns are 5-foot diameter with 1 percent
reinforcement.
Mn := 4500 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft Nominal moment at top of column.

See Figure 3
Moment at bottom of column is slightly higher. This difference is
neglected in this example.
H := 36⋅ ft Height to pin bearing from foundation
This distance will be used to calculate the displacement capacity

and strengths in the weak direction of the pier.
Ec := 3605ksi
4
π Dcol
Icr := ⋅ Cracked section taken as
64 2
one-half gross section.
2
Mn H
∆ y := ∆ y = 0.24 ft
3 ⋅ Ec ⋅ Icr
1.3 ⋅ ∆ y = 0.32 ft


Design Step
4.1.2
(continued)
Figure 3 ⎯ Column Interaction Capacity Curve


Design Step Required Lateral Strength

Compute the required lateral strength of each participating column.
Mn
Vup := Vup = 125 kip
H
Sum the strengths to give the strength of the bridge.
n := 8 number of columns
ΣVup := n ⋅ Vup ΣVup = 1000 kip
Compute the seismic coefficient, Cs; this coefficient is based on

the entire bridge strength and weight.
ΣVup
Cs := Cs = 0.18
Wsuper
Design Step Basic Relationship

BL := 1.0 5% nominal damping
Cs ⋅ 1.3∆ y = 0.06 ft Supplied Cs ⋅ ∆
Note that Equation 5.4.1-1 typically controls over Equation 5.4.1-2.


Design Step MCE EQ (3% in 75 years)

4.2 Longitudinal/Weak Direction
Use Cs as calculated above.
Fv := 1.0
S1 := 0.12
Design Step Maximum Displacement

4.2.1
Determine the maximum displacement capacity that must be supplied.
B L : = 1.6
The performance level for this bridge is “Life Safety,” which by Table 5.4.1-1
of the Guide Specification, sets BL at 1.6. This implies some energy
dissipation in the bridge system, and this dissipation is accompanied by
some damage. If a BL of 1.0 were used instead, as was the case for the
Frequent earthquake, then operational performance would be achieved. In
this example, if a BL of 1.0 were used to design the piers, or alternatively if
the design provided can resist BL = 1.0 forces, and if the bearings at the
abutments can accommodate the displacements corresponding to BL = 1.0,
then operational performance will be achieved, even in the MCE.
Design Step Deformation Capacity

4.2.2 [Guide Spec, Article C5.4.1] [NCHRP, Article C4.8.5.1]
Check that the maximum required displacement capacity is less than the
supplied deformation capacity for the pier. Per the commentary, only θp,
plastic rotational capacity, is used in calculation. The yield capacity is not
considered. This step is essentially the same as for SDAP E, except that the
yield component of displacement is conservatively omitted.


θ p := .035
θ p ⋅ H = 1.26 ft
∆ max < θ p ⋅ Hcol
OK
Design Step P-Delta Requirement

This step is required only for the MCE (or rare) earthquake.
Cs ⋅ H ⋅ 0.25 = 1.62 ft
∆ max < Cs ⋅ H ⋅ 0.25

OK
Bridge is adequate for MCE EQ.
Design Step Frequent Earthquake (50% in 75 years)

4.3 Transverse/Strong Direction
Fv := 1.0
S1 := 0.04
Design Step Effective Weights

4.3.1
Same as longitudinal direction.
Design Step Yield Displacement

4.3.2
Compute the yield displacement, ∆y for each column.
Mn := 4500 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft
2
Mn Hclr
∆ y := ∆ y = 0.09 ft
6 ⋅ Ec ⋅ I cr
1.3 ⋅ ∆ y = 0.11 ft


Design Step Required Lateral Strength

Compute the required lateral strength of each participating column. For the
transverse direction, the method of Section 4.8.1.2 is used.
First iteration on bent with Pcol_dl on each column:
2Mn
Vup := Vup = 295 kip per column
Hclr
Vup1 := Vup Mn1 := Mn
Calculate increments in column axial loads. Refer to Figure 1d. It is assumed

that the outer columns carry ∆P and that the inner columns carry ∆P/3. By
summing moments, we can solve for ∆P:
Hcg := 41 ⋅ ft Height to cg of steel superstructure
( Vup1 + Vup2 + Vup3 + Vup4 ) ⋅ Hcg − ( Mn1 + Mn2 + Mn3 + Mn4)

∆P :=
66.67⋅ ft
∆P = 455.88 kip increment on outer columns
P1 := Pcol_dl + ∆P P1 = 1160.45 kip outer column
∆P
P2 := Pcol_dl + P2 = 856.53 kip inner column
3
∆P
P3 := Pcol_dl − P3 = 552.61 kip inner column
3
P4 := Pcol_dl − ∆P P4 = 248.69 kip outer column


Design Step From the column interaction diagram:

4.3.3
(continued) 2 ⋅ Mn1
Mn1 := 4800 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft Vup1 := Vup1 = 314.75 kip
Hclr
2 ⋅ Mn2
Hclr
2 ⋅ Mn3
Hclr
2 ⋅ Mn4
Hclr
Calculate increments in column axial loads:
( Vup1 + Vup2 + Vup3 + Vup4 ) ⋅ Hcg − ( Mn1 + Mn2 + Mn3 + Mn4)

∆P :=
66.67⋅ ft
∆P = 454.61 kip increment on outer columns
P1 := Pcol_dl + ∆P P1 = 1159.19 kip
∆P
P2 := Pcol_dl + P2 = 856.11 kip
3
∆P
P3 := Pcol_dl − P3 = 553.04 kip
3
P4 := Pcol_dl − ∆P P4 = 249.96 kip
Vbent := Vup1 + Vup2 + Vup3 + Vup4 Vbent = 1177.05 kip
Vbent
= 1.00
4 ⋅ Vup


Two iterations is sufficient to converge.

Sum the strengths to give the strength of the bridge.
2 ⋅ Vbent
Cs := Cs = 0.42
Wsuper
Design Step Basic Relationship

BL := 1.0
Cs ⋅ 1.3∆ y = 0.05 ft
Design Step MCE EQ (3% in 75 years)

4.4 Transverse/Strong Direction
Fv := 1.0
S1 := 0.12
Design Step Maximum Displacement

4.4.1
Determine the maximum displacement capacity that must be supplied.


Design Step Deformation Capacity

4.4.2 [Guide Spec, Article C5.4.1] [NCHRP, Article C4.8.5.1]
Check that the maximum required displacement capacity is less than the
supplied deformation capacity for the pier.
θ p := .035
θ p ⋅ Hclr = 1.07 ft
∆ max < θ p ⋅ Hclr
OK
Design Step P-Delta Requirement

Cs ⋅ Hclr ⋅ 0.25 = 3.24 ft
∆ max < Cs ⋅ Hclr ⋅ 0.25

OK
Bridge is adequate for MCE EQ.
At this point, the SDAP C capacity spectrum method has incorporated

Design Steps 5, 6, and 7 as outlined in the flowcharts, with the exception of
the seat width requirement.


Design Step Minimum Seat Width Requirement

7.1 [Guide Spec 7.3.2] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.3.10]
These checks are made for the MCE earthquake only.
Seat width of 2.5 feet is provided at abutment per Figure 1c; thus the provided
seat width is adequate.
In this example, the columns are seen to be much larger than needed for
seismic considerations. If nonseismic considerations allow, the size or
reinforcement of the column could be reduced (ρmin = 0.8%) until
nonseismic or Cs∆ limits are reached.



[Guide Spec 7.2.2] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.3.8]
In SDAP C, capacity protection is required. Use Capacity Design

Procedures to determine column shear and confinement reinforcement and
connection forces.
Design Step Transverse Steel in Columns

8.1
For transverse reinforcement in the column, the implicit approach of Guide
Specification 7.8.2.3 was used. The calculation is not included in this example.
If the explicit approach were used, an overstrength factor of 1.5 would be
required.
Design Step Calculate the Connection Force at each Bearing

8.2
For the weak direction:
OS := 1.5 Overstrength factor; see Guide Spec 4.8.1
Vup = 125 kip Plastic shear strength per column - weak

direction
There are four columns per bent and eight bearings per bent. Therefore, the
required connection design shear force for weak direction bending is
4Vup
Vconn := OS Vconn = 93.75 kip
8


Design Step For the strong direction:

8.2
(continued)
Compute the plastic hinging forces for the bent. For the transverse direction,
the method of Guide Specification 4.8.1.2 is used.
First iteration on bent with Pcol_dl on each column:
Recall Mn = 4500 kip ⋅ ft

OS := 1.5
Mpo := OS ⋅ Mn Mpo = 6750 kip ⋅ ft
2Mpo
Vpo := Vpo = 443 kip per column
Hclr
Mp1 := Mpo Vpo1 := Vpo
( Vpo1 + Vpo2 + Vpo3 + Vpo4 ) ⋅ Hcg − ( Mp1 + Mp2 + Mp3 + Mp4)

∆P :=
66.67⋅ ft
∆P = 684 kip increment on outer columns
Pcol_dl = 705 kip
Pp1 := Pcol_dl + ∆P Pp1 = 1388 kip
∆P
Pp2 := Pcol_dl + Pp2 = 933 kip
3


Design Step
8.2 ∆P
Pp3 := Pcol_dl − Pp3 = 477 kip
(continued) 3
Pp4 := Pcol_dl − ∆P Pp4 = 21 kip
From the column interaction diagram:
Mp1 := OS ⋅ 4900 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft

2 ⋅ Mp1
Vpo1 := Vpo1 = 482 kip
Hclr
Mp2 := OS ⋅ 4700 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft

2 ⋅ Mp2
Hclr
Mp3 := OS ⋅ 4200 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft

2 ⋅ Mp3
Hclr
Mp4 := OS ⋅ 4000 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft

2 ⋅ Mp4
Hclr
( Vpo1 + Vpo2 + Vpo3 + Vpo4 ) ⋅ Hcg − ( Mp1 + Mp2 + Mp3 + Mp4)

∆P :=
66.67⋅ ft
∆P = 676 kip increment on outer columns
Pp1 := Pcol_dl + ∆P Pp1 = 1381 kip
∆P
Pp2 := Pcol_dl + Pp2 = 1043 kip
2


Design Step
8.2 ∆P
(continued)
Pp3 := Pcol_dl − Pp3 = 366 kip
2
Pp4 := Pcol_dl − ∆P Pp4 = 28 kip
Vbent := Vpo1 + Vpo2 + Vpo3 + Vpo4 Vbent = 1751 kip
Vbent
= 0.99 Two iterations is sufficient to converge.
4 ⋅ Vpo
There are eight bearings per bent. Therefore

Vbent
Vconn := Vconn = 219 kip Strong direction
8
The maximum connection force is 219 kip from the
strong direction. The design of the anchor bolts, plates,
etc is not included in this example.



Use Capacity Design Procedures to determine foundation design forces.
Design Step Calculate the Foundation Forces for Overturning, Sliding, and Soil
9.1 Bearing Capacity in the Weak Direction
OS := 1.0 See Guide Spec 4.4.1, Step 6
For SDR 3, the design for geotechnical aspects only requires the nominal
moment of the columns to be used, rather than the full overstrength.
This means that at the MCE limited overload may occur in the foundation
(see Guide Specification Commentary 4.3.3).
Pcol_dl = 705 kip at bottom of column
MOT := OS ⋅ Mn ⋅ 4 MOT = 18000 ft kip
H := 36⋅ ft
MOT
VOT := VOT = 500 kip
H
Df := 5 ⋅ ft
Mv := VOT ⋅ Df Mv = 2500 ft kip
The dead load forces must be augmented to account for foundation weight,
buoyancy, and overburden effects. The shear forces and moments,
however, do not require adjustment.
Based on the foundation configuration shown in Figure 4, calculate the

additional axial force acting at the base of the foundation due to the stone
fill overburden. Recall that the length of the footing is 70 feet, and assume
that stone fill with a saturated unit weight of 0.130 kip per cubic foot is
used.


Design Step
9.1
(continued)
Figure 4 ⎯ Configuration of Bent Foundation


Design Step Calculate the uplift force due to buoyancy assuming the water level
9.1 corresponds to the normal level, 4 feet above the top of the footing.
(continued) Per the Commentary of the Guide Specification 3.5, mean discharge
levels may be used for the Extreme Event I load combination.
Buoyancy force:
Vftg := ( 16 ⋅ ft) ⋅ ( 5 ⋅ ft) ⋅ ( 70 ⋅ ft) Volume of footing

3
Vsf = 3301.10 ft Volume of stone
fill
π 2
Vcols := 4 ⋅ ⋅ Dcol ⋅ ( 3 ⋅ ft) Volume of columns
4
kip
(
Pb := Vftg + Vsf + Vcols ⋅ 0.0624 ⋅) 3
ft
Pb = 570 kip
Foundation weight:
kip
Pftg := Vftg ⋅ .15 ⋅ Pftg = 840 kip
3
ft
Axial Force:
Adjusted axial force acting at base of foundation
P := 4Pcol_dl + Pftg + Psf − Pb
P = 3517 kip
Design Moment and Shear Forces.
Calculate the design moment to be used for the

overturning check.
Mweak := MOT + Mv Weak direction driving

moment
Mweak = 20500 ft kip


Calculate the design shear forces to be used in the

sliding check.
MOT
Vweak :=
H
Vweak = 500 kip Shear in weak direction.
Design Step Check Foundation for Overturning in the Weak Direction

9.2
Per Section 7.4.2.1, footing lift off shall not exceed 50 percent at the peak
displacement. This can be taken to mean under the action of the
overstrength forces. In the case of SDR 3, which applies for this example,
the overstrength is 1.0 for geotechnical effects.
To ensure that there is no more than one-half uplift on the footing, the
Lf
eccentricity e must be less than .
3
The preliminary length of the footing in the weak direction is:
L f := 16 ⋅ ft
The overturning induced eccentricity must be less than

or equal to:
Lf
= 5.33 ft
3
The eccentricity of the axial load caused by the

overturning moment can be calculated by:
Mweak
e := e = 5.83 ft
P


Design Step The length of footing in the longitudinal direction must

9.2
(continued) be increased to meet the one-half uplift requirement.
Lf := 3 ⋅ e
Lf = 17.48 ft
Lf
= 5.83 ft
3
Therefore, in order to meet the capacity design

requirements, the foundation length in the longitudinal
direction must be increased from 16 feet to 17.5 feet.
For there to be any uplift, the eccentricity must be

Lf
greater than .
6
Lf
= 2.91 ft
6
Design Step Check the Soil Bearing Capacity in the Weak Direction
9.3
The contact stress can be calculated using the following method because the
eccentricity is greater than one-sixth of the footing length. The equation can
be derived assuming a triangular stress distribution.
By inspection, q is much less than the ultimate bearing capacity of 50 ksf.

Thus the footing width is adequate to ensure that the foundation will not
"yield" prior to the column hinging.


Design Step Check Foundation for Sliding in the Weak Direction

9.4
The check of sliding is made by comparing the ultimate sliding resistance with
the driving force. For this footing founded on a competent rock, the coefficient
of friction may be taken as 0.8.
Vr := 0.8 ⋅ P
Vr = 2814 kip
The driving force is:
V OT = 500 kip
Because the resistance is larger than the driving force, the footing is
adequate for sliding.
Design Step Calculate the Foundation Forces for Design of Footing

9.5 Reinforcement in the Weak Direction
The use of a 1.0 overstrength factor in SDR 3 only applies for geotechnical
effects. For the design of structural elements, the normal overstrength
factors, 1.5 for concrete columns, apply.
OS := 1.5
Pcol_dl = 705 kip
Mpo := OS ⋅ Mn ⋅ 4 Mpo = 27000 ft kip

Mpo
Vpo := Vpo = 750 kip
H
Df := 5 ⋅ ft
Mv := Vpo ⋅ Df Mv = 3750 ft kip
Recall adjusted axial force acting at base of foundation
P = 3517 kip


Design Step Design Moment and Shear Forces.

9.5
(continued)
Mweak := Mpo + Mv Weak direction driving
moment
Mpo
Vweak :=
H
Recall the length of the footing in the longitudinal

direction is:
Lf = 17.48 ft

Mweak
e := e = 8.74 ft
P
Lf
Note that the eccentricity is at , the bounds of the footing. The maximum
2
overturning moment that can be developed in the footing is that
corresponding to a soil pressure diagram that is a block at the ultimate soil
pressure magnitude, extending a distance "a" from the toe of the footing.
This moment is the maximum that will develop just as rocking occurs.
Bf := 70 ⋅ ft Width of footing
qult := 50 ⋅ ksf
P
a := a = 1.00 ft length of ultimate
qult ⋅ Bf
soil pressure block
Lf − a
emax := emax = 8.24 ft
2


Design Step Because e > emax , the length of footing in the

9.5
(continued) longitudinal direction will be increased to accommodate
a sufficient length of the ultimate soil pressure block
for equilibrium.
Lf_min := 2 ⋅ e + a Lf_min = 18.49 ft
Therefore say,
Lf := 18.5 ⋅ ft
Lf − a
emax := emax = 8.75 ft
2
Now e < emax , and the footing is reaching the moment at which rocking
has fully developed. Note that if the footing began to rock before the
attainment of the overstrength moment, then the rocking moment would
define the design moment of the footing.
The final length of footing in the weak direction is 18.5 feet.
Using the ultimate soil pressure block at the toe of the footing, the
designer can now design the footing for flexure and shear.
The ultimate shear is
Vu := P Vu = 3517 kip
This completes the capacity spectrum checks and design requirements for
the weak direction.


9.6 Capacity in the Strong Direction
OS := 1.0 See Guide Spec 4.4.1, Step 6
Recall from Step 4.4.2
ΣP := P1 + P2 + P3 + P4 ΣP = 2818 kip
ΣVup := Vup1 + Vup2 + Vup3 + Vup4 ΣVup = 1177 kip
ΣMn := Mn1 + Mn2 + Mn3 + Mn4 ΣMn = 17950 kip ⋅ ft
Df := 5 ⋅ ft
Mv := ΣVup ⋅ Df Mv = 5885 ft kip Moment due
to column
shears.
M∆P := 30 ⋅ ft ⋅ P1 + 10 ⋅ ft ⋅ P2 − 10 ⋅ ft ⋅ P3 − 30 ⋅ ft ⋅ P4
M∆P = 30308 kip ⋅ ft
P = 3517 kip
Calculate the design moment to be used for the overturning check.
Mstrong := ΣMn + Mv + M∆P Strong direction

driving moment
Mstrong = 54143 kip ⋅ ft
Calculate the design shear forces to be used in the sliding check.

Vstrong := ΣVup
Vstrong = 1177 kip Shear in strong direction.


Design Step Check Foundation for Overturning in the Strong Direction

9.7
L f := 70 ⋅ ft
The overturning induced eccentricity must be less than or equal to:
The eccentricity of the axial load caused by the overturning moment can be
calculated by:
Mstrong
e := e = 15.39 ft OK
P
Lf
For there to be any uplift, the eccentricity must be greater than .
6
Design Step Check the Soil Bearing Capacity in the Strong Direction
9.8
The contact stress can be calculated using the following method because
the eccentricity is greater than one-sixth of the footing length. The
equation can be derived assuming a triangular stress distribution.
By inspection q is much less than the ultimate bearing capacity of 50 ksf.

Thus the footing width is adequate.


Design Step Check Foundation for Sliding in the Strong Direction

9.9
The check of sliding is made by comparing the ultimate sliding resistance with
the driving force. For this footing founded on a competent rock, the coefficient
of friction may be taken as 0.8.
Vr := 0.8 ⋅ P
Vr = 2814 kip
Vstrong = 1177 kip
Because the resistance is larger than the driving force,
the footing is adequate for sliding.

9.10 Reinforcement in the Strong Direction
OS := 1.5
ΣPp := Pp1 + Pp2 + Pp3 + Pp4 ΣPp = 2818 kip
ΣVpo := Vpo1 + Vpo2 + Vpo3 + Vpo4 ΣVpo = 1751 kip
ΣMp := Mp1 + Mp2 + Mp3 + Mp4 ΣMp = 26700 kip ⋅ ft
Df := 5 ⋅ ft
Mv := ΣVpo ⋅ Df Mv = 8754 ft kip Moment due to
column shears.
M∆P := 30 ⋅ ft ⋅ Pp1 + 10 ⋅ ft ⋅ Pp2 − 10 ⋅ ft ⋅ Pp3 − 30 ⋅ ft ⋅ Pp4
M∆P = 47335 kip ⋅ ft
P = 3517 kip


Design Step Design Moment and Shear Forces.

9.10
(continued) Strong direction
Mstrong := ΣMp + Mv + M∆P
driving moment
Mstrong = 82790 ft kip
Vstrong := ΣVpo
Vstrong = 1751 kip Shear in strong direction.
Recall the length of the footing in the strong direction is:

Lf
Lf = 70.00 ft = 23.33 ft
3
M strong
e := e = 23.54 ft
P
By inspection, q is less than the ultimate bearing capacity of 50 ksf. Thus

the footing length is adequate. The final length of footing in the strong
direction is 70 feet.
Using the soil pressure diagram at the toe of the footing, the designer can
now design the footing for flexure and shear. Note that in strong direction,
with a combined footing and one-half uplift, the footing must be designed
to distribute the gravity loads and lateral shears on the columns over the
zone of uplift. This is not illustrated in this example; however, feasibility
of such a design may drive the final configuration of the foundations.
The final footing size is 18.5 by 70 feet.


Abutments are not assumed to take significant seismic load. This is a

requirement of the SDAP C analysis. In an actual design, the abutments
would, of course, be designed for the gravity and soil loads, including
seismic effects.


Design Step 11, Consider Liquefaction
DESIGN STEP 11 CONSIDER LIQUEFACTION
There is no liquefaction potential.


Design Step 12, Seismic Design Complete
The final footing size was 18.5 by 70 feet. The maximum bearing
connection design force was 219 kips. This force is based on an
overstrength factor of 1.5 and capacity protection on the strong direction.
A reduction in the footing width of 18.5 feet or in the bearing connection
force could be pursued by going to SDAP D with an elastic analysis. This
was not done here.

SECTION IV SDAP C WITH ELASTOMERIC BEARING EXAMPLE

This section illustrates the design of the same bridge and location as that
of Section III, with the exception that wall piers are used at the two
intermediate pier locations and elastomeric bearings are used to support
the superstructure at the abutments and intermediate pier locations.
As before, the bridge is located on the north Merrimack River, north of

Concord, New Hampshire. The preliminary design of the bridge has been
completed.
The form of the intermediate bents was established to accommodate ice

loadings; and, therefore, the pier size is not controlled by seismic loading. The
seat abutments are provided to accommodate thermal movements. They
provide the ability for the bridge to move in the longitudinal direction.
Elastomeric bearings are used at each wall pier and at the abutments. The
relatively low stiffness of the bearings will cause much of the earthquake-
induced lateral movement to occur in the bearings. Consequently, the
superstructure will tend to move essentially as a rigid body under seismic
loading in both directions, and the forces transmitted to the substructure
will be substantially smaller than those required to fully restrain the
superstructure. Because elastomeric bearings are much more flexible than
the wall piers, especially in the strong direction of the pier, little (if any)
inelastic response is expected in the piers. The seismic behavior for this
system is shown in Figure 5. The bearing details are shown in Figures 6
and 7.
The bearings are designed for the expected thermal movements and for the
service loads. They are not intended to be true isolation bearings, which
provide extra damping; they provide only the typical 5 percent damping.
In the event that the bearings are overstrained under seismic loading,
transverse girder stops will be provided as a failsafe mechanism. Longitu-
dinally, the abutment back walls provide failsafe restraint at one end to
prevent the end spans from dropping off the abutments at the other end.


Figure 5 ⎯ Seismic Behavior with Elastomeric Bearings


Figure 6 ⎯ Elastomeric Bearing at Pier


Figure 7 ⎯ Elastomeric Bearing at Abutment




In this example, the ERS includes the behavior of the elastomeric bearings.
Although they are not intended to dissipate energy, they are classified as
isolation bearings for the seismic design. This will invoke the provisions of
Chapter 15 for Isolation Design, including the requirements for testing of the
bearings.


ERS and earthquake resisting elements (ERE). This concept is new and it
organizes commonly occurring systems and elements into three categories:
1) Permissible, 2) Permissible with Owner’s Approval, and 3) Not
Recommended for New Bridges.
In this example, the bridge system is classified as “Permissible,” because the

bearings will be designed to accommodate the full seismic displacement.

SECTION IV SDAP C ELASTOMERIC BEARING EXAMPLE


The bridge has three spans that total 400 feet. The end spans are 124 feet,
the center span is 152 feet, and the bridge superstructure is steel plate
girders with a composite concrete deck. Because no span is longer than
500 feet, and the construction is conventional, the Specification applies.

required for all bridges. This is the case for both the MCE and the Frequent
earthquake.
performance level implies that for the Frequent earthquake minimal
implies that in the MCE earthquake significant damage is expected, and
the bridge will likely not be available to full traffic following an
earthquake. The bridge may, in fact, be damaged to the point where it
needs to be replaced following the MCE event. Displacement limits are
established by the provisions to guide the designer in assessing
geometrically what is implied by the specified service levels. Per the LRFD
Guide Specification, displacements should be checked “to satisfy geometric,
Table C3.2-1 of the Guide Specification commentary.

The site is on the north Merrimack River, north of Concord, New Hampshire.

maps. The short-period (0.2 second) acceleration, SS, is 0.15g and the 1.0-
second acceleration, S1, as 0.04g.



The site class is B because the founding soil is rock. In this case, the shear
wave velocity is taken as greater than 2,500 feet per second.

The site coefficient for the long-period range, Fv, is 1.0 for site Class B.
The site coefficient for the long-period range, Fv, is 1.0 site Class B.

Not computed. See Design Step 3.

The bridge site is in the eastern part of the United States where vertical
acceleration effects are not required to be considered in the design.



FaSs = 0.46 and FvS1 = 0.12.
The Seismic Hazard Level is III.
By Table 3.7-1, the Seismic Hazard Level is III because FaSs exceeds 0.35.
Based on FvS1, the Seismic Hazard Level would only be I. The controlling
value is taken to be the more restrictive of the two values.

SDAP C will be used.

table suggests either B, C, D, or E can be used for the Life-Safety
performance level in Seismic Hazard Level III. For this example, use
SDAP C.

SDR 3 is applicable for SDAP C.

Hazard Level III, Table 3.7-2 requires SDR 3. The detailing provisions for


SDAP C Capacity Spectrum Design Method with Elastomeric Bearings

[Guide Spec 4.4, 5.4.1, and 15.4.1]
[NCHRP, Articles 3.10.3.4, 4.8.5.2, 15.4.1]
The basic relationship of the capacity spectrum method is
With elastomeric bearings there is no clear or capped value of C s as there

would be with a yielding system, so the following relationship is used
V K∆
Cs = =
W W
BL is the damping coefficient. For bridges with isolation, B is substituted

for BL.
This equation for ∆ is essentially the same as Eqn 15.4.1-3b, which applies to
isolation bearings. The only difference is round-off approximation for
2
g / ( 2π ) .
Check the eligibility requirements of Guide Specification 5.4.1.1.
a) Bridge must meet the regularity requirements for the Uniform Load
Method of Guide Specification Table 5.4.2.1-1.
Bridge is not curved.


DESIGN STEP 4 For three spans, ratio of span lengths span to span is 1.22, which is less
(continued) than the maximum of 2.0.
Pier wall stiffnesses are equal.
b) Effective vibration period is less than or equal to 3 seconds.
c) Effective damping is less than or equal to 30 percent of critical.
Note that the requirement that the abutments resist no significant lateral
forces is no longer present. Therefore, the abutments may provide
resistance; however, such resistance should be supplied with isolation
bearings at the abutments if isolation bearings are also used at the
intermediate piers. This preserves the SDOF response that the capacity
spectrum method is based on.
The capacity spectrum method does not require the consideration of

earthquake loading in two directions, simultaneously. Thus the SRSS or
100%-40% directional combination rules are not used. For this reason the
checks of the substructure against the basic relationship of the capacity
spectrum method will be made independently in each direction. In the
case of the skew, checks will actually be in the weak direction of the pier
and then in the strong direction of the pier that is checked. A
superstructure design will require that the weak and strong direction
results be resolved into longitudinal and transverse forces.
For elastomeric bearings, 5% nominal damping is assumed. They are not used
for seismic isolation and no energy dissipation is assumed. Therefore, B = 1.0
by Table 5.4.1.1-1 of the Guide Specification. The bearing sizes have been set to
accommodate service loads and thermal effects.
The implication of the use of B = 1.0 is that operational performance may

be achieved, because no energy dissipation (or damage) is presumed in the
design. Such performance, of course, is only achieved if all the bridge
elements are designed to resist the forces and displacements calculated
from B = 1.0.
The sequence of application of the method differs from the conventional

case. For non-isolated bridges, the designer sums the lateral strength of
the columns to obtain Cs and then determines if the displacement capacity
of the columns is adequate to satisfy the required Cs ∆. If not, the columns
are strengthened.


DESIGN STEP 4 In an isolation design, the designer uses the stiffness characteristics of the
(continued) isolation bearings to determine the design displacement. The lateral force
that the substructure must resist is then calculated. Keff the sum of the
effective linear stiffnesses of all bearings and substructures supporting the
superstructure. The stiffnesses will be oriented normal and parallel to the
skew of the substructure. By using the stiffness of the structure in the
expression for Cs the designer is effectively solving for the correct response.
Because an effective stiffness is used in the calculations of displacements

and forces, SDAP C as applied to isolation systems is virtually identical to
the analysis of the SDAP D uniform load method. In essence, an elastic
analysis is being performed in the Capacity Spectrum Method when the
isolation-specific equations are used.
An important difference between SDAP C and D is that in SDAP D the

directional combinations are used.
Keff & W, weight of superstructure, will be calculated in Design Steps 4.1 and
4.2 and ∆ required is solved for in Design Step 4.3.
Design Step Determine the System Stiffness, K

4.1
In this example, longitudinal and transverse refer to weak and strong
directions on the piers.
Design Step Horizontal Translational Stiffness of Pier Bearings, K pier_brg

4.1.1
The stiffness of an individual bearing pad can be calculated by determining
the shear force required to produce a unit deflection on the pad. See
Figure 8.
The translational stiffness will be the same in both principal directions since
the pads are square; and therefore the stiffness will be the same in all
directions.


Design Step
4.1.1
(continued)
Figure 8 ⎯ Translational Deflection of Bearing Pad
Assume:
∆ bp := 1.0 ⋅ in Unit deflection of bearing pad
Given:
Gb := 115 ⋅ psi Shear modulus of elastomer

2
Abp := ( 21 ⋅ in) Area of each pier bearing pad
Tbp := 1.125 ⋅ in Height of elastomer in pier bearing pads
Calculate the shear strain for a unit deflection:

∆ bp
Shear strain in pad; note that the steel
γ bp :=
Tbp reinforcing plate thickness is not included.
Calculate the shear stress:
vbp := Gb ⋅ γ bp Shear stress in bearing pad
Calculate the shear force:
V bp := vbp ⋅ A bp Shear force acting across bearing pad


Vbp
ktrans := Translational stiffness of pier bearing pads
∆ bp
kip
ktrans = 541
ft
Then the total translational stiffness for all eight bearing pads is
given by:
Kpier_brg := 8 ⋅ k trans
kip
Kpier_brg = 4328
ft
Design Step Horizontal Translational Stiffness of Abutment Bearings, K abut_brg

4.1.2
Assume:
∆ bp := 1.0 ⋅ in Unit deflection of bearing pad
Given:
G := 115 ⋅ psi Shear modulus of elastomer

2
Abp := ( 14 ⋅ in) Area of each pier bearing pad
Tbp := 2.625 ⋅ in Height of elastomer in pier bearing pads
Calculate the shear strain for a unit deflection:

∆ bp
Shear strain in pad; note that the steel
γ bp :=
Tbp reinforcing plate thickness is not included.
Calculate the shear stress:
vbp := G ⋅ γ bp Shear stress in bearing pad


Design Step Calculate the shear force:

4.1.2
(continued) Vbp := vbp ⋅ Abp Shear force acting across bearing pad
Calculate the translational stiffness:

Vbp
k trans := Translational stiffness of pier bearing
∆ bp pads
kip
ktrans = 103
ft
Then the total translational stiffness for all eight bearing pads is
given by:
Kabut_brg := 8 ⋅ ktrans
kip
Kabut_brg = 824
ft
The stiffness of the bearings is the same in both principal directions. Thus the
stiffness is the same in all directions in a horizontal plane.
Design Step Pier Stiffness – Weak Axis Bending, K pier_wall_weak

4.1.3
The pier stiffness is calculated in the weak direction by approximating the wall
as a cantilever of uniform thickness and width.
The assumed thickness is 5.5 feet and the assumed width is 60 feet. The
following logic was used to obtain these values: The thickness varies between 4
and 6 feet and the curvature of the cantilever will probably be the highest in
the lower half, so weight the lower half properties to a greater extent; use
5.5 feet. The width of the lower wall varies between 54 and 66 feet; 60 feet is
the average of these.


3
60 ⋅ ft ⋅ ( 5.5⋅ ft) 4
Iwall := Iwall = 832 ft
12
kip
E := 519000 ⋅
2
ft
hwall := 36⋅ ft
3 ⋅ E ⋅ Iwall kip
Kpier_wall_weak := Kpier_wall_weak = 27761
3 ft
hwall
Design Step Pier Stiffness – Strong Axis Bending, K pier_wall_strong

4.1.4
The pier stiffness is so large in the strong direction that

Kpier_wall_strong is taken as infinite,
kip
say Kpier_wall_strong := 1000000 ⋅
ft
Design Step Abutment Stiffness, K abutment

4.1.5
The abutment stiffness is so large in both directions that

Kabutment is taken as infinite,
kip
say Kabutment := 1000000 ⋅
ft
Design Step Longitudinal System Stiffness, Ktotal_Long
4.1.6
Recall that longitudinal is synonymous with pier weak direction for this
calculation.
Recall the pier bearing stiffness

kip
Kpier_brg = 4328
ft


Design Step
4.1.6
(continued)
Recall the abutment bearing stiffness

kip
Kabut_brg := 824 ⋅
ft
Total longitudinal stiffness for two piers and two abutments
Ktotal_Long := 2 ⋅ Kpier_Long + 2 ⋅ Kabut_Long
kip
Ktotal_Long = 9135 Effective System Stiffness in
ft
weak direction of pier wall


Design Step Transverse System Stiffness, Ktotal_Trans.

4.1.7
Recall that transverse is synonymous with pier strong direction in this
calculation.
Recall
kip
Kpier_brg = 4328
ft
kip
Kabut_brg = 824
ft
by inspection
Kpier_Trans := Kpier_brg
Kabut_Trans := Kabut_brg
Ktotal_Trans := 2 ⋅ Kpier_Trans + 2 ⋅ Kabut_Trans
kip
Ktotal_Trans = 10303 Effective System Stiffness in
ft strong direction of pier wall
Design Step Total Superstructure Weight

4.2 p
Recall from Section III that
Wsuper := 5540 ⋅ kips
Design Step Calculate Design Displacements of the Superstructure

4.3
Fv := 1.0
S1 := 0.12 MCE controls the design.

ft
g = 32.17
2
sec


Design Step
4.3
(continued)
∆ design_Long is the sum of ∆ pier_brg_Long and ∆ pier_Long at

the pier
Kpier_Long ⋅ ∆ design_Long
∆ pier_brg_Long :=
Kpier_brg
∆ pier_brg_Long = 0.88 in
Kpier_Long ⋅ ∆ design_Long
∆ pier_Long :=
Kpier_wall_weak
∆ pier_Long = 0.14 in
∆ design_Trans = 0.95 in
∆ pier_brg_Trans := ∆ design_Trans
∆ pier_brg_Trans = 0.95 in
At the piers, the bearings deflect 0.95 inches in the strong direction. The pier
wall does not significantly deflect.


Design Step Calculate Lateral Force Coefficient

4.4
Ktotal_Long ⋅ ∆ design_Long
Cs_reqd_Long := Cs_reqd_Long = 0.14
Wsuper
Ktotal_Trans ⋅ ∆ design_Trans
Cs_reqd_Trans := Cs_reqd_Trans = 0.15
Wsuper
At this point, Design Step 4, the SDAP C Capacity Spectrum Method, has
incorporated Design Steps 5 and 6 as outlined in the flowcharts.



[Guide Spec 15.11.2] [NCHRP, Article 15.11.2]
Design Step Displacement Capacity of the Elastomeric Bearings at Piers

7.1
The Seismic Isolation provisions of Guide Specification Chapter 15 provide
procedures for assessing the maximum permissible earthquake induced
displacements that elastomeric bearings can carry.
Elastomeric bearings shall satisfy
γ c < 2.5
and
γ c + γ s_eq + γ r < 5.5
where γ c is the shear strain due to compression by vertical loads
γ s_eq is the shear strain due to earthquake imposed

lateral loads
γ r is the shear strain due to rotation
Shear strain due to compression by vertical loads at piers
Tbp := 1.125 ⋅ in Height of elastomeric pad
Lbp := 21 ⋅ in Length of bearing pad
Wbp := 21 ⋅ in Width of bearing pad
Estimate the vertical load on the bearing:

124 ⋅ ft ⋅ 5 152 ⋅ ft
+
8 2
Ppier := Wsuper ⋅
400 ⋅ ft
Ppier = 2126 kip
Ppier
Pbrg := Pbrg = 266 kip
8


Design Step Calculate the shape factor S

7.1
(continued) Lbp ⋅ Wbp
S := S = 9.3
(
Tbp ⋅ Lbp + Wbp )
Estimate the Area
Ar := Lbp ⋅ Wbp
kbar := 50 hardness constant for bearings
G := 115 ⋅ psi
3 ⋅ S ⋅ Pbrg
This formulation is different
γ c :=
2 ⋅ Ar ⋅ G ⋅ ⎛⎝ 1 + 2 ⋅ kbar ⋅ S ⎠
2⎞ than what was used in the
original design example No. 2
where γ c was found to be
γ c = 0.008
0.025.
Shear strain due to rotation will be neglected.
Therefore, maximum shear strain due to earthquake imposed lateral

displacement at piers is
γ s_eq := 5.5 − γ c γ s_eq = 5.49
Maximum Pier Bearing Displacement due to earthquake is

g p q
∆ s_eq := γ s_eq ⋅ Tbp ∆ s_eq = 6.18 in maximum allowable
bearing
lateral displacement


Design Step Compare Design Displacement to Displacement Capacity of

7.2 Bearing
∆ pier_brg_Long = 0.88 in less than ∆ s_eq = 6.18 in OK
∆ pier_brg_Trans = 0.95 in less than ∆ s_eq = 6.18 in OK
Design Step Check P-∆ in Longitudinal/Weak Direction

7.3
hwall = 36.00 ft
Cs_reqd_Long ⋅ hwall ⋅ 0.25 = 15.02 in
∆ design_Long = 1.01 in < 15 in OK
Design Step Displacement Capacity of the Elastomeric Bearings at Abutment

7.4 and Check
Maximum Abutment Bearing Displacement due to earthquake is
Tbp := 2.625 ⋅ in
Lbp := 14 ⋅ in
Wbp := 14 ⋅ in
3 ⋅ 124 ⋅ ft
8
Pabut := Wsuper ⋅ Pabut = 644 kip
400 ⋅ ft
Pabut
Pbrg := Pbrg = 81 kip
8
Lbp ⋅ Wbp
S := S = 2.67
(
Tbp ⋅ Lbp + Wbp )
Ar := Lbp ⋅ Wbp
kbar := 50 hardness constant for bearings


Design Step G := 115 ⋅ psi

7.4
(continued) 3 ⋅ S ⋅ Pbrg
γ c :=
2 ⋅ Ar ⋅ G ⋅ ⎛⎝ 1 + 2 ⋅ kbar ⋅ S ⎞⎠
2
γ c = 0.020
Therefore, maximum shear strain due to earthquake imposed lateral

displacement at abutment is
γ s_eq := 5.5 − γ c γ s_eq = 5.48
Maximum Abutment Bearing Displacement due to earthquake is
∆ s_eq := γ s_eq ⋅ Tbp ∆ s_eq = 14.38 in maximum allowable

bearing
lateral displacement
Compare Design Displacement to Displacement Capacity of

Bearing
∆ design_Long = 1.01 in less than ∆ s_eq = 14.38 in OK
∆ design_Trans = 0.95 in less than ∆ s_eq = 14.38 in OK
Design Step Minimum Seat Width Requirement

7.5 [Guide Spec 7.3.2] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.3.10]
The check of minimum seat width at the abutments is identical to that

illustrated in Design Step 7.1 of Section III.


Design Step Calculate Lateral Force that Pier must Resist

8.1
Kpier_Long
Vu_Long := Cs_reqd_Long ⋅ Wsuper ⋅ Vu_Long = 316 kip
Ktotal_Long
Kpier_Trans
Vu_Trans := Cs_reqd_Trans ⋅ Wsuper ⋅ Vu_Trans = 344 kip
K total_Trans
These are elastic seismic forces.
Design Step Check Pier Lateral Capacity

8.2 [Guide Spec 7.8.3] [NCHRP, Article 5.10.11.4.2]
The pier wall has been detailed with ρ v and ρ h equal to 0.0025. See Figure 9
for wall reinforcement and details. The nominal moment capacities for the wall
are given below.
Wpier_wall := 1695 ⋅ kip calculated from volume of concrete
Pdl := Wpier_wall + Ppier Pdl = 3821 kip
Mn_Long := 33400⋅ kip ⋅ ft See Figure 10 for PCACOL diagram.
Mn_Trans := 394000 ⋅ kip ⋅ ft See Figure 11 for PCACOL diagram.
1.5 ⋅ 3812 ⋅ kip

φ := 0.90 − φ = 0.87
4.0 ⋅ ksi ⋅ 66⋅ ft ⋅ 6 ⋅ ft
This value of φ is based on the transition described in Section

5.5.4.2.1 of the LRFD Bridge Design Specification.
Hpier := 36⋅ ft


Design Step
8.2
(continued)
Figure 9 ⎯ Reinforcement in Lower Part of Pier Wall


Design Step
8.2
(continued)
Figure 10 ⎯ Pier Interaction Capacity Curve

Weak Direction


Design Step
8.2
(continued)
Figure 11 ⎯ Pier Interaction Capacity Curve

Strong Direction


Design Step Calculate elastic moments and check against capacities.

8.2 p
(continued) Vu_Long ⋅ Hpier
Mu_Long := Mu_Long = 12997 ft kip OK
φ
Vu_Trans ⋅ Hpier
Mu_Trans :=
φ Mu_Trans = 14145 ft kip OK
b := 4 ⋅ ft minimum width of wall
d := 54 ⋅ ft minimum length of wall
Note that the following equations from the provisions have been converted
from metric into U.S. customary units.
Vr = 3 sqrt ( fc') b d
Vr1 := 0.190 ⋅ ksi ⋅ b ⋅ d Vr1 = 5910 kip
Vr = 0.9(0.7 sqrt ( fc') + ρ h ⋅ fy) b d
Vr2 := 0.175 ⋅ ksi ⋅ b ⋅ d Vr2 = 5443 kip
Vu < Vr OK
Minimum wall ties per Guide Specification Section 7.8.1 will be used. There are
no seismic provisions for wall ties, except when the wall is considered a column.
This wall is not so considered.
Design Step Calculate Connection Force at Each Bearing

8.3 [Guide Spec 15.8] [NCHRP, Article 15.8]
The seismic design force for the connection between the superstructure and
the substructure is given by
Fa := Keff ⋅ ∆ t


Design Step Calculate design force

8.3 kip
(continued) Keff_L := Ktotal_Long Keff_L = 9135
ft
kip
Keff_T := Ktotal_Trans Keff_T = 10303
ft
∆ t_L := ∆ design_Long ∆ t_L = 1.01 in
∆ t_T := ∆ design_Trans ∆ t_T = 0.95 in
Fa_L := Keff_L ⋅ ∆ t_L Fa_L = 771 kip
Fa_T := Keff_T⋅ ∆ t_T Fa_T = 818 kip

Fa_L
Fconn_L := Fconn_L = 96 kip
8
Fa_T
Fconn_T := Fconn_T = 102 kip
8
The connection force to be designed for will be 102 kips.
Note that a structural load path must be provided through the cross frames
(diaphragms) for the bearing forces calculated above.



[Guide Spec 15.8] [NCHRP, Article 15.8]
If the elastic foundation forces are less than the forces resulting from plastic
hinging, they may be used for the foundation design with an R equal to 1.0.
From Design Step 8.2, this is seen to be the case.
9.1 Bearing Capacity in the Weak Direction
Pdl = 3821 kip at top of footing
MOT := Mu_Long MOT = 12635 ft kip

MOT
Hpier
Df := 5 ⋅ ft
The dead load forces must be augmented to account for footing weight,
buoyancy, and overburden effects. The shear forces and moments, however, do
not require adjustment.
Based on the foundation configuration shown in Figure 12, calculate the

additional axial force acting at the base of the foundation due to the stone fill
overburden. Recall that the length of the footing is 70 feet, and assume that
stone fill with a saturated unit weight of 0.130 kip per cubic foot is used.


Design Step
9.1
(continued)
Figure 12 ⎯ Reinforcement in Lower Part of Pier Wall
Calculate the uplift force due to buoyancy assuming the water level
corresponds to the normal level, 4 feet above the top of the footing. Per the
commentary of Guide Specification 3.5, mean discharge levels may be used for
the Extreme Event 1 load combination.
Buoyancy force:
Volume of footing
Vftg := ( 16 ⋅ ft) ⋅ ( 5 ⋅ ft) ⋅ ( 70 ⋅ ft)
Volume of stone
Vsf := ( 16 ⋅ ft − 6 ⋅ ft) ⋅ ( 3 ⋅ ft) ⋅ ( 70 ⋅ ft)
fill
Vstem := ( 6 ⋅ ft) ⋅ ( 4 ⋅ ft) ⋅ ( 66⋅ ft) Volume of wall

stem
kip
(
Pb := Vftg + Vsf + Vstem ⋅ 0.0624 ⋅) 3
ft
Pb = 579 kip


Design Step Weight of footing:

9.1
(continued) kip
Wftg := Vftg ⋅ .15 ⋅ Wftg = 840 kip
3
ft
Axial Force:
Adjusted axial force acting at base of foundation

P := Pdl + Wftg + Psf − Pb
P = 4355 kip

overturning check.
Mweak := MOT + Mv Weak direction driving moment

sliding check.
MOT
Vweak :=
Hpier
Design Step Check Foundation for Overturning in the Weak Direction

9.2
Per Guide Specification 7.4.2.1, footing lift off shall not exceed 50 percent
at the peak displacement.
To ensure that there is no more than one-half uplift on the footing, the
Lf
eccentricity e must be less than .
3


Design Step The preliminary length of the footing in the longitudinal direction is:
9.2
(continued) L f := 16 ⋅ ft
The overturning induced eccentricity must be less than or equal to:
calculated by:
Mweak
e := e = 3.3 ft
P
There is no uplift.
Design Step Check the Soil Bearing Capacity in the Weak Direction
9.3



Design Step Check Foundation for Sliding in the Weak Direction

9.4
The check of sliding is made by comparing the ultimate sliding resistance
with the driving force.
For this footing founded on a competent rock, the coefficient of friction may be
taken as 0.8.
Vr := 0.8 ⋅ P
Vr = 3484 kip
VOT = 351 kip
Because the resistance is larger than the driving force, the footing is
adequate for sliding.

9.5 Reinforcement in the Weak Direction
An overstrength factor of 1.5 has been added for this calculation although it is
not required by the provisions:
OS := 1.5
Pdl = 3820.97 kip
Mppo := OS ⋅ Mu_Long Mppo = 18952 ft kip
Mpo
Vpo := Vpo = 526 kip
Hpier
Df := 5 ⋅ ft
Mv := Vpo ⋅ Df Mv = 2632 ft kip


Design Step Recall adjusted axial force acting at base of foundation

9.5
(continued) P = 4355 kip
Mweak := Mpo + Mv Weak direction driving moment

Mpo
Vweak :=
Hpier
Recall the length of the footing in the longitudinal direction is:
Lf = 16 ft
The eccentricity of the axial load caused by the overturning
moment can be calculated by:
Mweak
e := e = 4.96 ft
P
Check the soil bearing capacity.
The contact stress can be calculated using the following method because the
eccentricity is greater than one-sixth of the footing length. The equation can
be derived assuming a triangular stress distribution.



Using the soil diagram, the designer can now design the footing for flexure
and shear.
For top reinforcement, the weight of soil above the footing during uplift
must be included.
The final footing length for the longitudinal direction will be 16 feet as in
the preliminary nonseismic design.
9.6 Bearing Capacity in the Strong Direction
Pdl = 3821 kip at top of footing
MOT := Mu_Trans MOT = 13751 ft kip

MOT
Hpier
Df := 5 ⋅ ft
Recall adjusted axial force acting at base of foundation
P = 4355 kip

overturning check.
Mstrong := MOT + Mv Strong direction driving moment
Mstrong = 15661 ft kip



sliding check.
MOT
Vstrong :=
Hpier
Vstrong = 382 kip Shear in weak direction.
Design Step Check Foundation for Overturning in the Strong Direction

9.7
L f := 70 ⋅ ft
calculated by:
Mstrong
e := e = 3.6 ft
P
Lf
= 11.67 ft therefore no uplift
6
Design Step Check the Soil Bearing Capacity in the Strong Direction
9.8
Design of footing reinforcement is not shown.
The final footing length for the strong direction will be 70 feet as in the
preliminary design.


The design of the abutments is not included in this design example.


Design Step 11, Consider Liquefaction
DESIGN STEP 11 CONSIDER LIQUEFACTION
There is no liquefaction potential.


The bearing connection design force is 102 kips, which is reasonable, and
the foundation size remains at 16 feet by 70 feet. The design is
satisfactory.
The designer is reminded that an appropriate structural load path is

required between each bearing and its supporting structural element, and
from each supporting structural element to the source of the inertial
seismic load.

SECTION V SDAP A2 CONVENTIONAL BEARING EXAMPLE

The bridge is essentially the same as the one used in Section III. The
intermediate substructure is multicolumn construction. However, the site
for this section now has lower spectral acceleration levels to illustrate the
application of SDAP A2.


Basic requirements are the same as in Section III except for Design
Step 2.3.

The site is on the southern Merrimack River, in northeast Massachusetts.





FaSs = 0.34 and FvS1 = 0.094.
The Seismic Hazard Level is II.
By Table 3.7-1, the Seismic Hazard Level is II because FaSs is less than
0.35. Based on FvS1, the Seismic Hazard Level would only be I. The
controlling value is taken to be the more restrictive of the two values.

We will use SDAP A2.

what Seismic Design and Analysis Procedure (SDAP) should be used. A2
is to be used for the Life-Safety performance level in Seismic Hazard
Level II.

SDR 2 is applicable for SDAP A2.

Hazard Level II, Table 3.7-2 requires SDR 2. The detailing provisions for
NOTE: Design Steps 4 through 6 are not used for SDAP A2. A2 only
requires the seat width requirements and connection force requirements to
be met; detailed force and displacement calculations are not required.



[Guide Spec 6.3] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.3.10]
Minimum Seat Width Requirement
L := 400 ⋅ ft L = 121.9 m L := 121.9 distance btwn joints
H := 36⋅ ft H = 10.97 m H := 10.97 tallest pier btwn joints
B := 68.5⋅ ft B = 20.88 m B := 20.88 width of superstructure

Fv := 1.0 from Design Step 2.5
S1 := 0.094 from Design Step 2.3
α := 25 ⋅ deg skew angle

⎡ 2⎤
⎢ ⎛ 2 ⋅ B ⎞ ⎥ ( 1 + 1.25 ⋅ Fv⋅ S1)
N := ⎢ 0.10 + 0.0017 ⋅ L + 0.007 ⋅ H + 0.05 H ⋅ 1 + ⎜ ⎥⋅
⎣ ⎝ L ⎠ ⎦ cos ( α )
N = 0.69 meters
N = 2.26 ft minimum seat width
Seat width of 2.5 feet is provided at abutment per Figure 1c, thus the provided



Design Step Bearing Connection Design

8.1 [Guide Spec 6.2] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.3.2]
Each pinned bearing and its connection to the substructure must be

designed to resist a connection force of 0.25 times the vertical reaction at
the bearing to provide some resistance against loads induced during a large
earthquake.
Recall the total superstructure weight
W super := 5540 ⋅ kip
Estimate the vertical load, P:

5 ⋅ 124 ⋅ ft 152 ⋅ ft
+
8 2
Ppier := Wsuper ⋅ Ppier = 2126 kip
400 ⋅ ft
Fpier := 0.25 ⋅ Ppier Fpier = 531 kip
Note that more refined estimates of the vertical loads typically are
available during design. Also, the consideration of live load per Article 3.5
may potentially increase the vertical load at the bearings. In this case, live
load effects are not included.
Calculate the connection force at each bearing

Fpier
Vconn := Vconn = 66 kip 8 bearings per bent
8
In Section III with SDAP C, Vconn equals 94 kips in the weak direction
and 219 kips in the strong direction, for comparison.
All details that fasten the bearing to the sole and masonry plates
(including the anchor bolts) must resist the 66 kip connection force as a
minimum. This is a simple but effective strategy to minimize risk of
collapse due to girder unseating.


In low seismic zones, it is not necessary to design the substructures or

their foundations for these forces because it is expected that the
substructure will have adequate inherent ductility to survive without
collapse. Only the bearing and its connections are designed for the
specified force.
Note that although the full seismic load path is not formally designed in
SDAP A2, it is prudent that the designer provide a reasonable load path for
such forces.
Design Step Shear and Transverse Reinforcement

8.2 [Guide Spec 6.8.2.1] [NCHRP, Article 5.10.11.4.1c]
Columns will be designed using the implicit method as required by

Article 6.8.2.1. This is a proscriptive means of capacity protection for
column shear resistance only. Because shear failures in columns can lead
to collapse, it is rational to design the columns to avoid shear critical
behavior. Other types of failure, for instance confinement of plastic hinge
zones, do not represent potential life safety hazards. Thus, only shear
strength is critical to prevent collapse.
NOTE: Design Steps 9 through 11: Not used.


The bearing connection design force was 66 kips with Cs_effective = 0.25.
SDAP C produced 219 kips, using OS = 1.5, and capacity protection in the
strong direction.
Thus, SDAP A2 is a simple and economical way to design for seismic where
allowed.

SECTION VI SDAP A2 WITH ELASTOMERIC BEARING EXAMPLE

The bridge is essentially the same as the one used in Section IV. The
intermediate substructure is wall pier construction. However, the site for
this section now has lower spectral acceleration levels to illustrate the
application of SDAP A2.
MCEER/ATC-49-2 14-1 SECTION VI


Basic requirements are the same as in Section IV except for Design

Step 2.3.

2.3
The site is on the southern Merrimack River, in northeast Massachusetts.




FaSs = 0.34 and FvS1 = 0.094.
The Seismic Hazard Level is II.
By Table 3.7-1, the Seismic Hazard Level is II because FaSs is less than
0.35. Based on FvS1, the Seismic Hazard Level would only be I. The
controlling value is taken to be the more restrictive of the two values.

We will use SDAP A2.

what Seismic Design and Analysis Procedure (SDAP) should be used. A2
is to be used for the Life-Safety performance level in Seismic Hazard
Level II.

SDR 2 is applicable for SDAP A2.

Hazard Level II, Table 3.7-2 requires SDR 2. The detailing provisions for
NOTE: Design Steps 4 through 6 are not used for SDAP A2. A2 only
requires the seat width requirements and connection force requirements to
be met; detailed force and displacement calculations are not required.


Design Step 7, Design Displacement and Checks

[Guide Spec 6.3] [NCHRP, Article 3.10.3.10]
Minimum Seat Width Requirement
Seat width of 2.5 feet is provided at abutment per Figure 1c, thus the provided



[Guide Spec 15.7] [NCHRP, Article 15.7]
Design Step Bearing Connection Design

8.1
Per the isolation section, each elastomeric bearing and its connection to the
substructure must be designed to resist a connection force of
Fa := Keff ⋅ ∆
where the design displacement, ∆, is based upon
Fv ⋅ S1 which must be greater than or equal to 0.25
In order to proceed, the effective stiffness of the bridge must be

determined. Furthermore, the deflection of the bridge, ∆, must be
determined. This is clearly more work than with the mechanical bearing of
Section V.
Fv := 1.0
S1 := 0.25 minimum value allowed


Design Step therefore,

8.1
(continued)
Fa := Ktotal_Long ⋅ ∆ Fa = 1606 kip
Fa
Cs_effective :=
Wsuper Cs_effective = 0.29
This is a much higher Cs than was obtained in SDAP C where FvS1 = 0.12 and Cs
= 0.14.
Kpier_Long ⋅ Fa
Fpier := Fpier = 658 kip
Ktotal_Long
Fpier
Vconn := Vconn = 82 kip 8 bearings per pier
8
In SDAP C, the connection force was 102 kip.
All details that fasten the bearing to the sole and masonry plates
(including the anchor bolts) must resist this 82 kip connection force. This
is a simple but effective strategy to minimize risk of collapse due to girder
unseating.
In low seismic zones, it is not necessary to design the substructures or

their foundations for these forces because it is expected that the
substructure will have adequate inherent ductility to survive without
collapse.


Design Step Shear and Transverse Reinforcement

8.2
Per the requirements of 6.8.2.1, the wall could be designed in its weak
direction as a column for shear and transverse reinforcement, using the
implicit method. This is a proscriptive means of capacity protection for
column shear resistance.
Alternately, shear reinforcement was designed per 7.8.3 to provide for

limited ductility in the wall piers. The walls were checked to ensure that
the plastic hinging demand shear is less than the shear capacity provided
in the wall.
Mn_Long := 33400⋅ kip ⋅ ft See Figure 10 (Section IV, Design Step 8), for
PCACOL diagram.
Hpier := 36⋅ ft
Mn_Long
Vu_Long := Vu_Long = 928 kip
Hpier
b := 4 ⋅ ft minimum width of wall
d := 54 ⋅ ft minimum length of wall
Note that the following equations from the provisions have been converted
from metric into U.S. customary units.
Vr = 3 sqrt ( fc') b d
Vr1 := 0.190 ⋅ ksi ⋅ b ⋅ d Vr1 = 5910 kip
Vr = (0.7 sqrt ( fc') + ρ h ⋅ fy) b d
Vr2 := 0.194 ⋅ ksi ⋅ b ⋅ d Vr2 = 6034 kip
Vu_Long < Vr OK
NOTE: Design Steps 9 through 11: Not used.

DESIGN EXAMPLE NO.2LRFD

Design Step 12, Seismic Design Complete?
SDAP A2 is a reasonably simple and economical way to design for seismic

where allowed.
Note that although the full seismic load path is not formally designed in
SDAP A2, it is prudent that the designer provide a reasonable load path for
such forces.

SECTION VII CLOSING STATEMENT
SECTION VII CLOSING STATEMENT
The multicolumn bent substructure example was a straightforward

application of SDAP A2 and C. Because SDAP B requires capacity
protection as in SDAP C, it was not included in the example. The pier wall
substructure example illustrated the impacts of the Isolation Provisions,
where nonseismic issues may control the design of the substructure.
For the pier walls, bearings that permit movement at least in the strong
direction of the pier wall, are required by the SDAP C provisions (Guide
Specification 4.4.2). The elastomeric bearings allow such movement and
the Isolation Provisions of Chapter 15 are used. Use of elastomeric
bearings reduces the seismic forces transmitted to the substructure by
allowing displacements at the bearings. The reduced elastic forces, which
are calculated within the isolation procedures, are allowed to be used to
design the connections and foundations. If capacity protection were
required, the required connections and foundations would have been
unreasonably large in the strong direction. Because the elastic forces are
based on the MCE earthquake, which is based on a 2,500-year return
period, not the 500-year return period of Division I-A, this approach is
reasonable for pier walls.
MCEER/ATC-49-2 15-1 SECTION VII

SECTION VIII REFERENCES
SECTION VIII REFERENCES
AASHTO (Interim 1999), AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.
Frankel, A.D. and E.V. Leyendecker (2000), Uniform Hazard Response

Spectra and Seismic Hazard Curves for the United States, CD-ROM
Published by U.S. Geological Survey National Seismic Hazard
Mapping Project, March.
NCHRP (2001), NCHRP Project 12-49, Comprehensive Specification for the

Seismic Design of Bridges, Revised LRFD Design Specifications, Third
Draft, National Cooperative Highway Research Program,
Transportation Research Board, National Research Council,
Washington, DC, March 2001.
MCEER/ATC 49 (2003), Recommended LRFD Guidelines for the Seismic

Design of Highway Bridges, Part I: Specifications and Part 2:
Commentary and Appendices, Multidisciplinary Center for
Earthquake Engineering Research, and Applied Technology Council,
Redwood City, CA.
MCEER/ATC-49-2 16-1 SECTION VIII

Appendix A
Geotechnical Data
_________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX A GEOTECHNICAL DATA
APPENDIX A GEOTECHNICAL DATA, DESIGN EXAMPLE 2
SUBSURFACE Subsurface conditions were derived from four borings drilled along the
CONDITIONS bridge alignment. As shown on Figure A1, the site is underlain by hard,
fresh, and sound quartz biotite schist. The water table, which is controlled
by the river, is above the ground surface at the interior piers and
approximately 30 feet below the ground surface at the abutments.
ROCK Rock properties for the subsurface materials encountered in the

PROPERTIES explorations are shown on Figure A1. These properties were estimated
from a series of laboratory test results. Additionally, the measured shear
wave velocity is greater than 2,500 feet per second.
SITE CLASS Site Class B ⎯ Rock at the ground surface and the average shear wave
velocity in the upper 100 feet exceeds 2,500 feet per second.
SITE See design sections of example.

ACCELERATION
FOUNDATION For spread footings on rock, the rock is estimated to have an ultimate
DESIGN bearing capacity of at least 50 ksf based on local experience. The ultimate
PARAMETERS coefficient of friction between the rock and cast-in-place concrete footings
is 0.8.
OTHER ISSUES Liquefaction will not occur because of the presence of rock.
Assuming the new fill is placed and compacted in accordance with typical
Department of Transportation or local jurisdiction requirements, the
abutment slopes should be stable during earthquake shaking.

APPENDIX A GEOTECHNICAL DATA
SUBSURFACE PROPERTIES
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Depth RGD γ qu
Type (ft) Description (%) (pcf) (psi)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rock See above Hard, fresh sound 90 165 8,000

quartz biotite schist
Where:
RGD rate quality designation (percent)

γ total unit weight (pounds per cubic foot)
qu unconfined compressive strength (pounds per square inch)
Figure A1 ⎯ Subsurface Conditions

PROJECT PARTICIPANTS
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Ian Friedland (Principal Investigator) Ronald Mayes (Project Manager)

Federal Highway Administration Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.
Office of Bridge Technology, HIBT-30 The Landmark at One Market Street, Suite 600
400 Seventh Street, SW San Francisco, California 94105
Washington, DC 20590
NCHRP MANAGEMENT
David B. Beal (Project Officer)

Transportation Research Board
National Research Council
2101 Constitution Ave. N.W., Room 300
Washington, DC 20418
PROJECT ENGINEERING PANEL
Ian Buckle (Co-Chair) Paul Liles

University of Reno State Bridge Engineer
Civil Engineering Department Georgia Department of Transportation
Mail Stop 258 No. 2 Capitol Square, S.W.
Reno, Nevada 89557 Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Christopher Rojahn (Co-Chair) Brian H. Maroney

Applied Technology Council California Dept. of Transportation
201 Redwood Shores Parkway, Suite 240 P. O. Box 942874
Redwood City, California 94065 Davis, California 94274
Serafim Arzoumanidis Joseph Nicoletti

Steinman Boynton Gronquist Birdsall Consulting Structural Engineer
110 William Street 1185 Chula Vista Drive
New York, New York 10038 Belmont, California 94002
Mark Capron Charles Roeder (ATC Board Representative)

Sverdrup Civil, Inc. University of Washington, Dept. of CE
13723 Riverport Drive 233B More Hall, FX-10
Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043 Seattle, Washington 98195
Ignatius Po Lam Freider Seible

Earth Mechanics Inc. University of California
17660 Newhope Street, Suite E Structural Systems, MC 0085
Fountain Valley, California 92708 La Jolla, California 92093-0085
Theodore Zoli
HNTB Corporation
330 Passaic Avenue
Fairfield, New Jersey 07004
MCEER/ATC-49-2 18-1 PROJECT PARTICIPANTS

CONSULTANTS
Donald Anderson Geoffrey Martin

CH2M Hill University of Southern California
777 108th Avenue NE Civil Engineering Department
Bellevue, Washington 98004 Los Angeles, California 90089
Michel Bruneau Andrzej Nowak

SUNY at Buffalo 2340 G.G. Brown Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering 2351 Hayward
114 Red Jacket Quadrangle University of Michigan
Buffalo, NewYork 14260 Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2125
Gregory Fenves Richard V. Nutt

University of California Consulting Structural Engineer
Civil Engineering Department 9048 Hazel Oak Court
729 Davis Hall, #1710 Orangevale, California 95662
Berkeley, California 94720-1710
Maurice Power
John Kulicki Geomatrix Consultants, Inc.
Modjeski & Masters 2101 Webster Street, 12th Floor
4909 Louise Drive Oakland, California 94612
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055
Andrei Reinhorn
John B. Mander SUNY at Buffalo
University of Canterbury Civil Structural & Environmental Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering Department
Private Bag 4800 231 Ketter Hall
Christchurch 8020 New Zealand Buffalo, NewYork 14260
Lee Marsh
Berger/Abam Engineers, Inc.
33301 Ninth Avenue South
Federal Way, Washington 98003
MCEER/ATC-49-2 18-2 PROJECT PARTICIPANTS

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What is the mission of the Applied Technology Council (ATC)?

What is the mission of the Applied Technology Council (ATC)?

What is the mission of the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER)?

What is the mission of the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER)?

MULTIDISCIPLINARY CENTER FOR EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING RESEARCH

A National Center of Excellence in Advanced Technology Applications

ATC/MCEER Joint Venture

MCEER Report Number: MCEER-03-SP09

NCHRP 12-49 PROJECT PARTICIPANTS

MCEER/ATC-49-2 iii PREFACE

PREFACE ............................................................................................................................................................... iii

LIST OF FIGURES............................................................................................................................................... vii

DESIGN EXAMPLE 2LRFD

MCEER/ATC-49-2 v TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROJECT PARTICIPANTS ............................................................................................................................ 18-1

MCEER/ATC-49-2 vi TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESIGN EXAMPLE 2LRFD

MCEER/ATC-49-2 vii LIST OF FIGURES

MCEER/ATC-49-2 viii LIST OF FIGURES

MCEER/ATC-49-2 ix LIST OF TABLES

DESIGN EXAMPLE NO. 8

PURPOSE This is the eighth in a series of seismic design examples originally

DESIGN DESIGN SUPER-

MCEER/ATC-49-2 1-1 SECTION I

REFERENCE Example Nos. 1 through 7 conform to the following specifications.

Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, American Association of

AASHTO Division I-A (herein referred to as “Division I-A” or the

Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, Division I-A, Seismic Design,

Example Nos. 8 and 2LRFD conform to the following.

Recommended LRFD Guidelines for the Seismic Design of Highway

Additionally, these examples cross reference the original NCHRP

NCHRP 12-49 Comprehensive Specification for the Seismic Design

MCEER/ATC-49-2 1-2 SECTION I

The purpose of Design Steps is to present the information covered by the

An example is shown below.

MCEER/ATC-49-2 1-3 SECTION I

An example of the use of the fonts is shown below.

MCEER/ATC-49-2 1-4 SECTION I

The variables used in equations calculated by the program are defined

An example is shown below.

Also, Mathcad® does not allow the superscript “ ´ ” to be used in a variable

MCEER/ATC-49-2 1-5 SECTION I

MCEER/ATC-49-2 2-1 SECTION II

MCEER/ATC-49-2 2-2 SECTION II

SECTION III BRIDGE WITH TWO-COLUMN BENTS

SECTION III ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

The subsurface conditions consist of 10 feet of soft clay overlying

MCEER/ATC-49-2 3-1 SECTION III

SECTION III BRIDGE WITH TWO-COLUMN BENTS

NCHRP(b) 2001, developed as part of the NCHRP 12-49 project. The

FEATURES ISSUES EMPHASIZED FOR THIS EXAMPLE

Proposed LRFD Seismic Guide Specification, including

■ Basic Application of the Provisions

MCEER/ATC-49-2 3-2 SECTION III

SECTION III BRIDGE WITH TWO-COLUMN BENTS

Figure 1a ⎯ Bridge No. 8 - Plan and Elevation

MCEER/ATC-49-2 3-3 SECTION III

SECTION III BRIDGE WITH TWO-COLUMN BENTS

Figure 1b ⎯ Bridge No. 8 - Typical Cross Section