Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Peak ground velocity (PGV) is identified as the optimal intensity measure for seismic fragility analysis of canyon-crossing bridges under near-source canyon topographic effects. • The near-source canyon topographic effect (NCTE) significantly increases the damage probability of canyon-crossing bridges, particularly affecting side bearings and side piers on the illuminated canyon side. • A probabilistic framework using performance-based seismic assessment provides a holistic view of ground motion uncertainties, overcoming limitations of deterministic approaches. • The study offers critical insights for seismic design and risk assessment of bridges in mountainous regions with active faults, enhancing post-disaster resilience.
Abstract
Previous earthquakes indicate that near-source canyon topographic effect (NCTE) can substantially amplify the seismic responses of canyon-crossing bridges (CCBs). While the conventional practices are to make disaster response decisions based on the deterministic approaches, they cannot provide a holistic view regarding the impacts of uncertainties of ground motions on CCBs. Thus, this study adopts the performance-based seismic assessment in a probabilistic framework to evaluate the seismic fragility of CCBs considering NCTE. For this purpose, a numerical model of a typical tall-pier CCB across a V-shaped canyon is constructed using OpenSees. Eighteen ground motions combined with NCTE are simulated using the region-matching method. Peak ground acceleration (PGA), spectral acceleration at the fundamental period T1 (Sa(T1)), and peak ground velocity (PGV) are compared to determine the optimal intensity measure (IM). The probabilistic seismic demand models and fragility curves are constructed. The results show that PGV is the optimal IM for ground motions considering NCTE. The NCTE can significantly increase the damage probability of CCBs. The damage probability of the side bearing is the most sensitive to NCTE among the vulnerable components. The side pier bearings and the side piers on the illuminated canyon side may be the most vulnerable components considering the NCTE effect.
1. Introduction
Numerous bridges have been built or are under construction in the mountainous regions of western China, and dense active faults have been detected in these regions [1]. Fault rupture may pose a serious earthquake disaster risk to major infrastructures, such as bridges. Canyon topography is a typical terrain due to fluvial erosion and surface weathering. Previous seismic records [2, 3] indicate that the canyon topography can induce scattering and diffraction of seismic waves, resulting in amplification, attenuation, and spatial variability of ground motions. Such effects may further aggravate the earthquake disaster of a bridge across a canyon [4, 5]. In fact, the canyon-crossing bridge (CCB) is vital, or even the sole transportation route in these regions, playing a crucial role in post-disaster rescue operations. For instance, during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, the Miaoziping bridge across Zipingpu canyon suffered span unseating, which interrupted transportation to the epicenter area [6]. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the seismic performance of CCBs considering canyon topographic effects.
Many efforts have been devoted to investigating the effects of canyon topography on the seismic response of CCBs [7−9]. The main conclusions are summarized as follows. The canyon topography may: i) significantly magnify the seismic waves at illuminated canyon side, consequently aggravating the seismic disaster of bridge components at this side [10, 11]; ii) cause temporal and spatial variations of the ground motions, resulting in different amplitudes and phases at different positions, which can lead to non-uniform deformation and dislocation of bridges [12, 13]; and iii) significantly change the initial failure point and failure mode of bridges compared to flat sites [14, 15]. Most previous studies adopt the plane wave assumption to explore the impacts of canyon topography on the seismic response of bridges, assuming the seismic source is infinitely distant and the topographic effects are independent of seismic source characteristics [9]. In this regard, the near-source canyon topographic effect (NCTE) on the seismic performance of CCBs is investigated with a linear source of cylindrical waves considering the wavefront curvature [3−5]. Previous studies have primarily used deterministic methods to examine how canyon topography influences the seismic responses of bridges, the inherent uncertainty and complexity of seismic ground motions have not been fully accounted for. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no systematic study has been conducted to address this gap.
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WANG Ming-dong, LU Kai-wei, LI Shuai, WANG Jing-quan, HU Yu-qing, ZHANG Ning (2026). Fragility analysis of canyon-crossing bridges considering the near-source canyon topographic effect. Journal of Central South University. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-026-6267-5
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the near-source canyon topographic effect (NCTE) and why is it important for bridges?
NCTE refers to the amplification and spatial variation of seismic waves caused by canyon topography when the seismic source is near the site. It is important because it can significantly increase the seismic response of canyon-crossing bridges, potentially leading to severe damage or collapse, as observed in past earthquakes.
How was the seismic fragility of canyon-crossing bridges assessed in this study?
The study used a performance-based seismic assessment in a probabilistic framework. A numerical model of a typical tall-pier bridge across a V-shaped canyon was built in OpenSees, and 18 ground motions with NCTE were simulated. Probabilistic seismic demand models and fragility curves were constructed to evaluate damage probabilities.
What is the optimal intensity measure (IM) for ground motions considering NCTE?
The study found that peak ground velocity (PGV) is the optimal intensity measure for ground motions considering NCTE, as it showed the best correlation with seismic response and damage probability.
Which bridge components are most vulnerable to NCTE?
The side pier bearings and side piers on the illuminated canyon side are identified as the most vulnerable components. The damage probability of the side bearing is the most sensitive to NCTE among vulnerable components.
What are the practical implications of this study for bridge design in mountainous regions?
The findings highlight the need to consider NCTE in seismic design and risk assessment of canyon-crossing bridges. Engineers should pay special attention to side components and use PGV as a key intensity measure to ensure adequate resilience.
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