Title:
Bridge Joints in a Seismic Area: A Case Study of the Dumbarton Bridge
Author(s):
Charles Seim and Stanford Larsen
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
70
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
625-636
Keywords:
bridge decks; bridges (structures) ; dynamic structural analysis; earthquake resistant structures; earthquakes; joint sealers; structural design.
DOI:
10.14359/17430
Date:
1/1/1981
Abstract:
The new Dumbarton Bridge is located midway between two major California Faults, each approximately 15 miles from the site. Extensive computer dynamic analysis of both soil and structure indicated that large out-of-phase movements will occur at the deck joints during a major earthquake. This anticipated once-in-a-lifetime large scale movement led to the development of an innovated low cost, but large, movement deck joint design for the over water portion. For the concrete trestle approaches over land, an energy absorbing, force inducing sol id rubber joint of standard design was employed to improve the structure performance during a major earthquake. Construction of the replacement structure paralleling the older bridge started in 1978, with the opening projected for mid-1981.