Seismic Design of Highway Bridges: Recommended Specifications

Under the AASHTO-sponsored National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), a joint venture of the Applied Technology Council and the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (ATC/MCEER Joint Venture) is completing a project to develop recommended specifications and commentary for the seismic design of highway bridges (NCHRP Project 12-49). These recommended specifications are being prepared for consideration by AASHTO for possible incorporation into the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. The recommended specifications will be performance-based and will address state-of-the-art aspects of highway bridge seismic design, including the latest representations of seismic hazard, design and performance criteria, analysis methods, steel and concrete superstructure and substructure design and detailing, and soil behavior and foundation design. The recommended specifications will be a marked departure from the design philosophy, approach, and requirements currently in use in the United States.