Experimental Study on Seismically Resilient Two-Span Bridge Models Designed for Disassembly

Shake-table studies were conducted on a ¼-scale, 2-span bridge model incorporating a newly-developed concept of replaceable plastic hinges and columns that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The plastic hinges incorporate novel materials that mitigate column damage and permanent drift, allowing the bridge to undergo intense seismic shaking and remain operational when most conventional bridges would warrant demolition. Designed to be disassembled, the column components have the potential to be reused, which is intended to help mitigate the environmental impact from material extraction and manufacture. The concept feasibility was demonstrated by assembling, testing, and disassembling the same bridge model twice.