Seismic performance evaluation and retrofitting with viscous fluid dampers of an existing bridge in Istanbul

In this paper, seismic performance of Kozyatagi Bridge is evaluated by employing nonlinear elasto-plastic dynamic analysis and the deformation-based performance. The time-history records of the 1999 Izmit, 1971 San Fernando and 1989 Loma Prieta earthquakes are modified by adopting a probability of exceedance of 2% in 50 years corresponding to the return period of 2475 years. The analysis is carried out for three different bearing cases which are movable bearings, restrained bearings, and movable bearings with viscous fluid dampers in the radial direction. The analysis results show that the bridge can be retrofitted with viscous fluid dampers. In this case the reinforced concrete piers need not be strengthened by any jacketing techniques in order to preserve the original architectural appearance of the bridge. The retrofitting design of the bridge with viscous fluid dampers is also presented in detail.