SURFACE STRUCTURES:DYNAMIC LOADS using the higher mode period for base shear calculation will result in unnecessarily

conservative design. (Authors)

185A

954277 Earthquake ground motion characterization for large or multiply supported structures P. Bancrji, Current Science, 67(5), 1994, pp 386-394.
Spatial variation of ground motion has significant effect on the earthquake response of structures that either are elongated with multiple supports or have large dimensions. This paper reviews state-of-the-art approaches to ground motion characterization for these types of structures. Since research in this area is of relatively recent vintage, and not all aspects of the problem are well understood, it is currently most appropriate to use simple models for characterizing spatial variation of ground motion. (Author)

954281 Seismic retrofitting techniques for bridges - a state-of-theart report D. Mitchell, R. Sexsmith & R. Tinawi, Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, 21(5), 1994, pp 823-835.
This paper presents a review of the various seismic retrofitting techniquese currently being carried out for bridge structures. After evaluating the performance of existing bridges in past earthquakes and their most common modes of failure, a systematic review of bridge retrofit is discussed. It includes the retrofit of foundations, concrete columns, bent cap beams and beam-column joints, as well as steel bracing. The use of restrainers is discussed as well as the possible improvements to bearing supports. Examples of bridge retrofit practice in California and British Columbia are presented. (Authors)

954278 Specifying aseismic design inputs for critical structures R. D. Sharma, Current Science, 67(5), 1994, pp 358-368.
It is possible to design engineering structures, which would withstand the impact of future earthquakes, if this impact is specified in terms of the vibratory ground motion, which the structures arc expected to experience during future earthquakes. Such specifications of the vibratory ground motions form the basis of aseismie design. While the procedures for specifying aseismic design inputs for conventional structures were based on an approach of minimizing the losses by preventing collapse, more elaborate procedures are now adopted for aseismic design of structures of critical facilities, e.g. dams and nuclear power plants, where the acceptable limits of damage are much lower. The approach to specifying aseismic design inputs for such structures is discussed. (Author)

954282 Observations on non-linear dynamic characteristics of suspension bridges J. M. W. Brownjohn, Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics, 23(12), 1994, pp 1351-1367.
For most forms of loading static and dynamic response of a suspension bridge is modelled adequately by linear analysis. By examining the two principal non-linearities of inclined and vertical hanger suspension bridges the limitations of linear analyses are shown. The inclined hanger configuration is shown to be the more strongly non-linear. Some examples are given for simplified planar analyses of this type of bridge to large amplitude vehicular, random, sinusoidal and propagating earthquake excitation, showing that the effect only becomes significant when deflections approach the extent of cable sag due to cable elasticity. (Author)

954279 Damage to buildings in Latur Earthquake R. Sinha & A. Goyal, Current Science, 67(5), 1994, pp 380385.
A comprehensive assessment of damage caused to residential buildings in Latur earthquake is presented. The buildings, which are mostly non-engineered, have been classified based on the materials used for construction and their performance during the earthquake. The possible causes of damage, and the shortcomings in the prevalent construction practices have been clearly identified. On the basis of the analysis presented, it has been concluded that the performance of these buildings can be significantly improved through the use of simple earthquake-resistant features. The information presented may be useful in developing practical strategies for rehabilitating the retrofitting existing buildings in this region. (Authors)

954283 Application of an empirical extreme value distribution to load models J. Kanda, Journal o f Research - National Institute of Standards & Technology, 99(4), 1994, pp 413-420.
An empirical extreme value distribution with lower and upper bounds proposed by the author is applied to represent probability distribution models for maximum load intensities of earthquake ground motion, and wind speed. One of the diffculfies in the estimation of the parameters is determining the upper bound value. Nevertheless application of the proposed distribution to the annual maximum earthquake ground motion results in considerable improvements over other models. Possible improvements to the annual maximum wind speed model are discussed. The proposed distribution is also a good candidate for the live load extremes. (Author)

954280 Simplified dynamic analysis for gravity dams A. Ghobarah, A. EI-Nady & T. Aziz, Journal of Structural Engineering - ASCE, 120(9), 1994, pp 2697-2716.
The effect of monolith interaction on the overall dynamic response of concrete gravity dams is investigated. For this purpose, a simplified approach is proposed that is capable of including the effect of the longitudinal direction on the response of the critical monolith. The effect of hydrodynamic interaction is considered as added mass to the dam structure. The results of this innovative approach are compared to those of a typical three-dimensional analysis and good accuracy is obtained. It is noted that the fundamental frequency of dams with keyed contraction joints increases when monolith interaction is included. The structure tends to be stiffer and, may have lower response values than those predicted using typical two-dimensional analysis. (from Authors)

954284 Dynamic pavement-strain histories from moving traffic load Z. Zafir, R. Siddharthan & P. g. Sebaaly, Journal of Transportation Engineering - ASCE, 120(5), 1994, pp 821842.
This paper presents the formulation and the application of a continuum-based finite-layer approach to evaluate dynamic pavement strains under moving traffic load. The predictive capability of the model is illustrated through a parametric study in which two typical thin and thick pavement sections were subjected to a semitrailer moving at different speeds. The results are very similar to those from a field-testing program. The results show that the pavement strain are strong functions of the pavement thickness and the vehicle speed, and they reduce substantially with the increase in the speed of the vehicle. Also, a substantial compressive-strain component is present at the bottom of AC layer that may be important for any realistic fatigue-life estimation of the pavement. (Authors)