Developing next-generation sustainable and resilient bridge design and construction

Research aims and scopes:

This project aims to develop next-generation sustainable and resilient bridge design and construction by proposing an energy-dissipating elastomeric damping layer for segmental bridge piers. The system is intended to mitigate interface damage and limit pier displacement under seismic loading while enhancing structural self-recentring capacity. The research scope includes: (1) material selection and configuration optimisation of elastomer–metal sandwich structures; (2) experimental characterisation and size-effect studies under cyclic, relaxation, and creep loading protocols; (3) constitutive model development and parameter identification based on experimental data; and (4) a systematic comparison between the proposed bio-inspired segmental pier system and conventional piers designed in accordance with current bridge and seismic design codes (e.g., EN 1998-2, AASHTO), leading to design recommendations applicable to both retrofitting of existing bridges and new construction.

Main body of work:

A bio-inspired damping layer based on the intervertebral disc is designed and placed between precast post-tensioned pier segments. The mechanical response of elastomeric materials, in combination with metallic sandwich faceplates, is investigated. A comparative study is conducted between conventional bridge piers designed in accordance with seismic codes and the proposed bio-inspired segmental piers incorporating the damping layer, evaluating displacement demand, residual deformation, damage distribution, and recoverability under seismic loading. On the numerical side, viscoelastic/viscoplastic constitutive models are developed and calibrated using experimental results, and a hierarchical modelling framework (material–interface–member levels) is implemented within Abaqus and OpenSees to assess structural response under seismic excitation.