UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 2 Research Projects

Project No.: CY3-UARK-02
Title: Enhancing Site Response Analysis for Bridge Infrastructure in the Southern Plains Region: Issues, Pitfalls, and Pathways to Improvement
Performing Institution: University of Arkansas
Principal Investigator: Clinton Wood, University of Arkansas
Start and Anticipated Completion Dates: 01/01/2026 to 01/15/2027 
Abstract: Bridges in the Southern Plains Region are essential to the continuity and resilience of the regional transportation network. Although traditionally considered a region of moderate seismic hazard, past seismic events and updated hazard characterizations along with escalating bridge costs have highlighted the need for the additional use of site response analysis in seismic bridge design. This project aims to investigate and resolve key technical limitations in current site response analysis practices as applied to bridge infrastructure within the Southern Plains Region. These include discrepancies in design acceleration estimation between American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) general procedure and site-specific site response analyses, the influence of bedrock shear wave velocity on seismic hazard and amplification, the sensitivity of site response outcomes to input motion depth, and the comparative accuracy of equivalent-linear and nonlinear modeling approaches under varying site conditions. The project will utilize detailed geotechnical and seismic data from existing SPTC, ARDOT, and USGS efforts to assess representative bridge sites, ultimately producing evidence-based recommendations and tools for more reliable seismic design and evaluation of bridge systems throughout the Southern Plains Region. 
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