Shaking table tests for the evaluation of the seismic performance of an innovative lightweight bridge with CFST composite truss girder and lattice pier

The seismic performance of an innovative lightweight bridge with CFST composite truss girder and lattice pier was studied in this paper. Took Ganhaizi Bridge as prototype, a 1:8 scale specimen with two spans and three lattice high piers was designed for multi-shaking tables test. Adopted design seismic wave of prototype, dynamic characteristics, seismic performance and failure characteristics were analyzed. Results indicate that the frequency ratio and the displacement ratio between specimen and prototype are corresponding to similitude relationship. Under transverse or longitudinal excitation, acceleration in lattice zones significantly amplifies, and decreases the acceleration of the deck. It is unnecessary to consider the influence of bi-directional excitations. Displacement on the top of pier is less than the value limitation under design ground motions. The corresponding finite element simulations, using OpenSees, were carried out and the accuracy was verified. The finite element analysis results agree with experimental data. In addition, the plastic hinges were predicted under transverse and longitudinal excitation respectively, revealed that lightweight bridge with CFST composite truss girder and lattice pier has a favorable seismic performance. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.