Fragility and recoverability assessment of single-tower cable-stayed bridge under near-fault impulsive ground motion

Abstract

This study examines the seismic performance and post-earthquake recoverability of cable-stayed bridges, with the Tianhekou Bridge adopted as a prototype. A refined finite element model was established, and nonlinear dynamic analyses were performed using ground motion records from the pacific earthquake engineering research center (PEER)database. The objectives were to assess site amplification effects, compare responses under impulsive and non-impulsive excitations, and quantify structural vulnerability and recoverability. The results show that: 1) the site effects markedly amplify peak ground acceleration (PGA) and alter waveform characteristics, thereby increasing seismic demand; 2) transverse displacements exceed longitudinal responses, with impulsive motions producing the largest deformations, including a maximum of 0.35 m at pier 4#; 3) vulnerability analysis reveals that the probability of severe damage in bearing 2# increases with PGA, reaching 84.65% at 1.0g; and 4) recoverability assessment indicates that the bearing system has the highest restoration potential (index = 0.645), while the main girder system has the lowest (index = 0.282). These findings provide a basis for enhancing the seismic resilience of cable-stayed bridges.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

cable-stayed bridge / site effect / bridge collapse / fragility analysis / recoverability analysis

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