Establish Representative Pier Types for Comprehensive Study - East

Keywords: Highway Bridges, Eastern United States, Footings, Reinforced Concrete Bridge Piers, Reinforcement Detailing, Pile Bents, Column Bents, and Solid Wall Piers.

Abstract: This report describes bridge types and seismic design and detailing procedures typical of the eastern part of the United States. The report contains examples taken from state bridge plans and actual bridge designs. Some of the examples comply with current seismic provisions, while others represent older designs made before these requirements were introduced. Advantages and disadvantages of various bridge configurations and details with respect to seismic behavior are discussed. Historical accounts of changes in bridge design and detailing practices are also included. The seismic design of bridges in the eastern part of the United States follows the AASHTO Specifications for Seismic Design of Highway Bridges in conjunction with state specific policies that address the unique conditions of each state. Most bridges in the east fall in Seismic Performance Categories A and B, but in many cases part or all of the requirements of Seismic Performance Category C are also followed. The bridge pier types included in this report are divided into pile bents, column bents and solid wall piers. The bent cap types include rectangular caps, inverted T-caps and hammerhead caps. The report highlights the unique nature of the seismic response of various bridge configurations and details. Common and dissimilar elements between east and west construction practices are identified.