Performance of bridges under the Kahramanmaras earthquake doublet

Abstract

The study summarizes seismic damages and earthquake performance of bridges affected by the Feb 6, 2023 Kahramanmaras, Turkiye earthquakes. The site observations clearly reveal the importance of transverse portal beams at the support and the middle of deck span, which enables the deck to work as a diaphragm. The gap between the shear blocks and the girder beams should be reduced, and the rubber pads are also recommended to be used on both sides of shear blocks. A limitation to deck movement in the longitudinal direction is also obtained necessary to prevent the expansion joint damages resulting from high displacement. Thus, it is underlined to use additional structural stiffening elements particularly at the abutment points, such as dampers. In attempt to reduce soil-based damages to the bridges, it is notably highlighted for bridge sub-and-superstructures to design piles by considering the soil improvement.