Computational seismic evaluation of a curved prestressed concrete I-girder bridge equipped with shape memory alloy

This article proposes an analytical modeling approach for seismic evaluation of curved prestressed concrete (PSC) bridges using alternative restraint materials. The approach was applied to a simply supported, curved PSC I-girder bridge subjected to a suite of ground motions. Along with analyzing the response of the bridge without Shape Memory Alloy (SMA), the bridge was retrofitted with SMA components and restraints to reduce its response and both results were compared. SMA components used included dowels in the bearing pad, restraints connecting the girders to the abutments, and piles with SMA characteristics. Results indicated that the SMA components reduced seismic response, and specifically the deformations of the SMA bridge were up to 80% lower than the non-SMA bridge.