heal.abstract |
Unfortunately, the structural health of bridges is continuously deteriorated over time due to the multiple-hazards like (earthquakes, winds, floods, traffic overload and accidents). These hazard events can be divided into 1) routine events and 2) extreme events. Routine events include overloaded truck, while extreme events include Hurricanes and earthquakes, and both of these events should be taken under consideration during the design in addition to the normal requirements. The main goal of this dissertation is to provide a method for bridges seismic isolation by using bearings from carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polymers. Carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polymers is such a prime example, where CNTs are used as inclusions to greatly enhance the mechanical properties of the parent material. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) inspired many researchers and scientists in many applications according to its mechanical properties like the stiffness and damping, and thus CNT/polymer bearings are used as structural components for seismic isolation.
The dissertation has been divided into two parts: loading and assessment. A simulation-based and time history analysis methods are used to calculate the seismic load. The assessment part focuses on investigating the bridge safety by evaluating the super-structure to sub-structure connection against the seismic load, calculating the time period of each structure and checking the bending moment at the base of bridge piers. |
en |