Ricerc@Sapienza

This paper evaluates, with the aid of dynamic numerical analyses, the seismic performance of a long-span suspension bridge that was provided with a dissipative foundation system, consisting of a gravel layer interposed between the foundation caisson and a group of foundation piles. This system was conceived to permit a controlled development of relative horizontal displacements between the caisson and the piles during strong motion, providing an intrinsic limitation to the maximum seismic forces transmitted to the tower structure.

This paper describes a numerical approach for the analysis of the seismic ground response and the dynamic soil-structure interaction accounting for the three components of an earthquake motion. The investigation was performed with reference to the case-history of Lotung (Tai-wan), where the seismic response of a nuclear power plant model as well as that of its founda-tion soil were measured during several earthquakes occurred at the site.