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6.
In low seismic zones no analysis of substructure is permitted. However, the connection of the superstructure to substructure is required to resist 0.1 x DL or 0.2 x DL. Shouldn't we check the substructure for these forces? Shouldn't we use these forces as a minimum in higher seismic zones as well, even when analysis shows smaller forces? If you design the connection for a force, you must trace this force through the entire system until it dissipates into the soil. Yes, you must design the substructure for the force. For low seismic zones, for example Zone 1, the Code does not require bridge seismic analysis. For region where 0.0g<A< 0.025g, the maximum possible acceleration experienced by the bridge is 2.5 times 0.025g which equals to 0.06g and the Code requires to use 0.1g for the connection design (LRFD 3.10.9.2). Similarly, for region where 0.025g<A<0.09g, the maximum possible acceleration in the structure is 2.5 times 0.09g or 0.225g and the Code requires to use 0.2g for the connection design. It can be seen that both 0.1g and 0.2g experienced by the bridge are extreme values for the low seismic ground acceleration. Therefore, to apply R-factor (usually less than or equal to one at connection) to 0.1g or 0.2g for the connection design will be too conservative. For the same reason, if a seismic analysis is preformed, forces from analysis should supersede the 0.1g or 0.2g assumptions and R-factor should be applied to the analytical results regardless of low or high seismic zone.
7.
Explain the rationale of using half of the response modification factors in foundation design vs. factors used for column design in seismic zone 2. Response modification factors > 1.0 should only be used for ductile members, while foundations other than drilled shafts or pile bents are generally not ductile. R-factor greater than 1.0 should only be used for ductile members for seismic elastic analysis. Therefore, foundation design has to ensure that the connection at pile to pile cap is stronger than pile capacity. For this reason, the pile to pile cap connection should behave elastically during seismic event and R-factor should be taken as 1.0. In addition, some other detailing requirement, such as confinement zone, must also be satisfied to prevent plastic hinge to occur at this interface. AASHTO LRFD C3.10.9.3 discusses this issue and states "it is recommended that for critical and essential bridges in Zone 2 consideration should be given to the use of the forces specified in Zone 3 and Zone 4" which requires R-factor to be taken as 1.0. Recommended Guidelines for the Seismic Design of Highway Bridges (NCHRP 12-49) also state that the Rfactor to be 1.0 for the foundation design. The development of LFRD Guidelines for the Seismic Design of Highway Bridges, Version 2 is currently in progress under NCHRP 20-07, Task 193 and hopefully this issue will be address clearly in the new specification.