Abstract:Based on the proposed simplified analysis model of the constitutive relationship of reinforced concrete retaining blocks, for a typical irregular beam bridge, the influence of retaining blocks on the lateral seismic force distribution of the bridge is discussed by using the nonlinear time-history analysis method. The results show that: (1) if the retaining blocks with higher strength or laterally fixed bearings are used in irregular beam bridges, the seismic force tends to concentrate on some particular piers, which adds great difficulties in the design; (2) the strength of the retaining blocks needs to be reasonably designed to ensure the seismic safety of the plate rubber bearings and avoid having an excessive adverse impact on the seismic force distribution of each pier; (3) affected by the bridge abutment and girder, the seismic force borne by high piers is not necessarily the smallest; and (4) the different performance states of the retaining blocks at each pier will cause the center of the bridge stiffness to shift, which not only alters the distribution of seismic force, but also easily cause the breakage of the retaining blocks at some bridge piers and the shear failure of the rubber bearings.
