Dynamic Analysis of the Longest Viaduct in Algeria Under Spatial Variable Ground Motion According to RPOA and Eurocode 8 Seismic Codes.

Background: The dynamic response of large-scale structures requires a good representation of seismic excitations. These structures are subjected to spatial variability of seismic ground motion. This seismic variability results from the propagation of seismic waves between the focus and the site. The RPOA (the Algerian Bridge Seismic Regulation Code) and Eurocode 8 (EC8) introduce simplified approaches for spatial variable ground motion. Purpose: The main objective of this paper is the evaluation of the accuracy of the methods proposed by the RPOA through comparison with the EC8 provisions. Method: The longest railway viaduct in Algeria is used as a case study in this work. The dynamic analysis based on the modal spectral dynamic method is adopted according to RPOA and Eurocode 8 seismic codes. Results and conclusion: The results show that the method proposed by RPOA to consider the spatial variability of ground motion clearly overestimates the seismic demand. Therefore, the RPOA method gives internal forces much higher than those calculated from Eurocode 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]