Driving safety evaluation of vehicles on curved bridges under frequent seismic excitations

A seismic analysis framework for the vehicle-bridge interaction (VBI) system, based on ABAQUS software, is proposed in this study. The primary focus is on the driving safety of curved bridges subjected to frequent seismic excitation. Three-dimensional dynamic models are developed for both the vehicle and the bridge. A penalty factor is introduced to control the relative displacement between the contact surfaces, simulating the interaction between the bridge deck and the vehicle wheels. Using the Dateng Gorge curved bridge as a case study, a direct solution method is employed to analyze the safety of driving on the bridge under earthquake excitation, using 10 measured ground motions. The results reveal that vehicles traveling at low speeds on the bridge during an earthquake are more likely to experience seismic effects, increasing the side-slip safety factor (SSF) and making vehicles more susceptible to side-slip. Seismic load characteristics, such as epicentral distance, significantly influence the SSF. Heavier vehicles tend to exhibit a lower SSF, indicating better stability under seismic forces. Pavement conditions also play a crucial role; snowy and wet pavements lead to higher SSF values and an increased risk of side-slip, while dry pavements provide optimal stability. This study highlights the importance of considering these factors when assessing vehicle safety and mitigating side-slip risks on seismic-prone bridges.