Evaluation of the second-generation Eurocode 8 framework for the analysis of various integral abutment bridge types

This study evaluates the Eurocode 8 provisions for seismic analysis of various typologies of integral abutment bridges (IABs), emphasising configurations representative of Slovenian construction practice. The analysed typologies include monolithic middle piers, stub and full-height abutments, shallow and deep foundations, piles embedded in sloping embankments, symmetric fully-integral bridges and asymmetric semi-integral bridges. It has been found that certain modelling adjustments should be made to address the specific properties of some analysed configurations. Adequate solutions have been proposed, based on the parametric study where the simplified analysis methods, as proposed in the new Eurocode 8, were compared with the dynamic response history analysis. The results were used to calibrate the damping ratios for linear and nonlinear static analyses and the passive pressure distribution for models used in linear static analysis. Subsequently, static analyses were performed, and the results were compared to dynamic responses to assess the accuracy and limitations of the static analyses. Based on these comparisons, final recommendations are provided to improve the applicability of Eurocode 8 to a broader range of IAB typologies. • Insights for applying Eurocode 8 models to various IAB configurations were provided. • Static models were evaluated against dynamic model trough a parametric study. • Adjustments to damping ratio and passive pressure distribution were proposed. • Modelling of the abutment piles embedded in sloping ground was addressed.