Because of their structural simplicity, bridges tend to be particularly vulnerable to damage and even collapse when subjected to earthquakes or other forms of seismic activity. Recent earthquakes, such as the ones in Kobe, Japan, and Oakland, California, have led to a heightened awareness of seismic risk and have revolutionized bridge design and retrofit philosophies.

In Seismic Design and Retrofit of Bridges, three of the world's top authorities on the subject have collaborated to produce the most exhaustive reference on seismic bridge design currently available. Following a detailed examination of the seismic effects of actual earthquakes on local area bridges, the authors demonstrate design strategies that will make these and similar structures optimally resistant to the damaging effects of future seismic disturbances.

Relying heavily on worldwide research associated with recent quakes, Seismic Design and Retrofit of Bridges begins with an in-depth treatment of seismic design philosophy as it applies to bridges. The authors then describe the various geotechnical considerations specific to bridge design, such as soil-structure interaction and traveling wave effects. Subsequent chapters cover conceptual and actual design of various bridge superstructures, and modeling and analysis of these structures.

As the basis for their design strategies, the authors' focus is on the widely accepted capacity design approach, in which particularly vulnerable locations of potentially inelastic flexural deformation are identified and strengthened to accommodate a greater degree of stress. The text illustrates how accurate application of the capacity design philosophy to the design of new bridges results in structures that can be expected to survive most earthquakes with only minor, repairable damage.

Because the majority of today's bridges were built before the capacity design approach was understood, the authors also devote several chapters to the seismic assessment of existing bridges, with the aim of designing and implementing retrofit measures to protect them against the damaging effects of future earthquakes. These retrofitting techniques, though not considered appropriate in the design of new bridges, are given considerable emphasis, since they currently offer the best solution for the preservation of these vital and often historically valued thoroughfares.

Practical and applications-oriented, Seismic Design and Retrofit of Bridges is enhanced with over 300 photos and line drawings to illustrate key concepts and detailed design procedures. As the only text currently available on the vital topic of seismic bridge design, it provides an indispensable reference for civil, structural, and geotechnical engineers, as well as students in related engineering courses.

A state-of-the-art text on earthquake-proof design and retrofit of bridges

Seismic Design and Retrofit of Bridges fills the urgent need for a comprehensive and up-to-date text on seismic-ally resistant bridge design. The authors, all recognized leaders in the field, systematically cover all aspects of bridge design related to seismic resistance for both new and existing bridges.

• A complete overview of current design philosophy for bridges, with related seismic and geotechnical considerations
• Coverage of conceptual design constraints and their relationship to current design alternatives
• Modeling and analysis of bridge structures
• An exhaustive look at common building materials and their response to seismic activity
• A hands-on approach to the capacity design process
• Use of isolation and dissipation devices in bridge design
• Important coverage of seismic assessment and retrofit design of existing bridges