Output details

Cost-effectiveness related to the earthquake resisting system of multi-span bridges

Conceptual design of bridges is often given little attention by engineers, despite the fact that bridge’s load-resisting system reflects on its economy and safety. This research, supported by Egnatia Highway, assessed the economic impact of alternative load-resisting systems of bridges, with either monolithic or bearing-type pier-to-deck connections. The study revealed that hybrid designs that combine bearing-type and rigid pier-to-deck connections have the lowest initial cost. Integral bridges with rigid substructure-to deck detailing were proved to have the lowest life-cycle cost. The results are being used (Dr M. Tsitotas, mtsito@egnatia.gr) in the design of cost-effective and low-maintenance bridge structures.