Seismic Analysis and Design of Bridges According to EC8-2:

Comparison of Different Analysis Methods on a Theoretical Case Study

This paper aims to compare the different structural analysis methods described in Eurocode 8-2 and specialised literature dedicated to bridge seismic design, such as force- based and displacement-based modal spectral analysis, push-over analysis (different alternative approaches) and non-linear dynamic time-history analysis. For this purpose, those different methods are applied on a theoretical case-study consisting in a 306 meters long prestressed concrete deck, reinforced concrete piers bridge, located in in high seismic zone of the French seismic zoning and designed for ductile behavior alternatively according to Eurocode 8-2 and the former French seismic rules “AFPS92”.

Besides the theoretical and practical comparison of the different methods of analysis and associated results, the study also highlights the main differences and changes between Eurocode 8-2 and former French seismic rules “AFPS92”. In the end, the paper addresses some upgrading propositions to Eurocode 8-2 text and content.