2002 SEISMIC DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS FOR HIGHWAY BRIDGES

This paper presents the revised Seismic Design Specifications of Highway Bridges, Japan Road Association (JRA), in 2002 [1]. The revised specifications are based on the Performance-based Design Code Concept and the improved knowledges on the seismic design methods for highway bridges are also included. According to the Performance-based Design Code Concept, the design requirements are clearly specified and the existing detailed design methods including the analytical methods and the allowable limits are specified as verification methods and the examples of acceptable solutions. The designers can modify or select other verification methods and/or acceptable solutions with appropriate verifications. It is expected that new ideas on the materials and structures will be employed much easier than before. In this paper, the revised major points in the 2002 JRA Seismic Design Specifications are briefly described including the performance-based design code concept, seismic performance levels, the seismic design force, and the ductility evaluation methods for foundations and superstructures.