PEER Proposed Research Summary: "Development of Performance-Based Multi-hazard Engineering (PBME) Framework with Inclusion of Climate Change and Bridge Vulnerability"

June 20, 2024

The impact of a PEER funded research project "Development of Performance-Based Multi-hazard Engineering (PBME) Framework with Inclusion of Climate Change and Bridge Vulnerability" is highlighted below. The project Principal Investigator (PI) is Michele Barbato, Professor and Director of the CITRIS Climate Initiative, UC Davis. The Co-Principal Investigator is Alexander Forrest, Associate Professor, UC Davis. The Research Team includes Lei Zhou, Graduate Student Researcher, UC Davis.

Download the Research Project Highlight which includes the abstract (PDF)

Research Impact

This project will develop a rigorous PBME methodology for analysis/design of new bridges and retrofit/maintenance of existing bridges that are subject simultaneously to seismic and scour hazards. The results of this project are expected to inform the update of bridge design/rating guidelines considering the interaction of seismic and scour hazards, e.g.: (1) the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, (2) the AASHTO LRFR Bridge Specifications, and (3) the Caltrans Bridge Design Specifications. This investigation will also form the groundwork for the development of PBME for extreme events under changing climate conditions, including multiple simultaneous or asynchronous interacting hazards. Several bridges in California have scour issues and have been proposed for rehabilitation, e.g., the SR-29 Garnett Creek Branch Bridge, the SR-29 Garnett Creek Bridge (Bridge No. 21-0005), the SR-29 No Name Creek Bridge, the SR-1 Pilarcitos Creek Bridges, and the SR-84 San Gregorio Creek Bridge. It is envisioned that the results of this research will enable the development of efficient methodologies for rehabilitation of California’s bridges located in highly seismic regions and damaged by scour.

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