This study assessed the structural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) arch bridges under strong ground motion. A detailed three-dimensional finite element model of a 400 m RC arch bridge with composite superstructure and double RC piers was developed and its behavior when subjected to strong earthquakes examined. Two sets of ground motion records were applied to simulate pulse-type near-and far-field motions. The inelastic behavior of the concrete elements was then evaluated via a seismic time history analysis. The concept of Demand to Capacity Ratios (DCR) was utilized to produce an initial estimate of the dynamic performance of the structure, emphasizing the importance of capacity distribution of force and bending moment within the RC arch and the springings and piers of the bridge. The results showed that the earthquake loads, broadly categorized as near-and far-field earthquake loads, changed a number of the bridge's characteristics and hence its structural performance.The seismic behavior of an arch bridge is complex. The structure's ductile capacity will be significantly reduced due to the large axial forces acting on the arch components [6,7]. The high complexity and widely varying load experienced by individual bridge members during a seismic event make it essential to improve our understanding of the ductility capacity of the structure under normal circumstances and hence support a realistic estimation of the ductility demand during an earthquake. There are several reports in the literature that focus on the seismic response of arch bridges and suggest potential retrofitting techniques to help them withstand seismic events [8][9][10][11][12][13]. Most of the previous researchers adopted a displacement-based approach based on incorporating state-of-the-art design concepts such as performance-based design procedures for steel arch bridges under seismic loads. Pushover analyses to determine the ultimate state, taking into account the failure criterion proposed for thin walled steel members, were used to determine the displacement capacities of individual bridge components. Khan et al. [14] and Franetovic et al. [15] investigated the seismic responses of reinforced concrete arch bridges under particular ground motions. A state-of-art review of the vulnerability and structural damage suffered by RC arch bridges during the bridge life-cycle performed by Chen and Song [16] classified the characteristics and rules for the various types of distress suffered by such bridges, along with the reasons for their occurrence, providing a useful reference to guide their design, construction and maintenance. Priestley et al. [17] developed a new design approach based on direct displacement-based seismic factors for RC arch bridges, proposing new expressions for the yield drift and deformation capacity of bridge columns, while Salonga and Gauvreau [18] performed a comparative study on 55 existing arch bridges and developed empirical trends to describe the properties and geometrical ratios related to important attribute...

No abstract