The Response of the Seismically Isolated Bolu Viaduct Subjected to Fault Crossing

The effect of fault crossing on the response of the seismically isolated Bolu Viaduct is investigated. The seismic ground motions at the site of the Viaduct are generated following a rigorous methodology, which is based on seismological data available in the literature and finite-fault modelling techniques of the extended source. The generated motions are used to study the effect of fault crossing and fault crossing angle on the nonlinear behaviour of the seismically isolated Viaduct. It is shown that fault crossing is an important factor in the earthquake response of seismically isolated bridges, and that this effect needs to be considered in the design and detailing of the isolation system.