No abstract

Bridges are considered as vital components that require a high degree of protection to guarantee their functionality, even after significant earthquakes. So, the damage evaluation of current conditions of these structures is considered a necessary tool for inspection, maintenance and rehabilitation. Seismic fragility curves of a common highway bridge structure, with simple-supported girders, for different seismic scenarios, are evaluated in this paper. The selected bridge is a RC system with rectangular piers, forming a frame substructure; the bridge piers reinforcement is designed using steel jackets. Damage fragility curves are again evaluated for the reinforced system and compared with the initial condition; for that, a non-linear analyses with Ruaumoko program are accomplished, using a Takeda constitutive model and the damage index proposed by Parket al. As an external seismic action, artificial accelerograms are obtained based on signals registered in the most hazardous earthquake zone of Mexico. The probability changes of a certain damage level are verified for the obtained results.