The performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) approach, developed at the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center, aims to robustly decompose the performance assessment and design process into four logical stages that can be studied and resolved in a systematic and consistent manner. However, two key challenges are experienced in this approach, namely the accurate seismic structural analysis and the selection and modification of ground motions (GMs). This dissertation investigates these two challenges with application to reinforced concrete (RC) bridge systems. In nonlinear structural dynamics, the most accurate analytical simulation method is the nonlinear time history analysis (NTHA). It involves the use of different types of direct integration algorithms and nonlinear equation solvers where their stability performance and convergence behaviors are of great significance. Lyapunov stability theory, the most complete framework for stability analysis of dynamical systems, is introduced in this study. Based on this theory, a new nonlinear equation solver is developed and its convergence performance was theoretically formulated and verified by several examples. Stability is one of the most important properties of direct integration algorithms that must be considered for efficient and reliable NTHA simulations. Two Lyapunov-based approaches are proposed to perform stability analysis for nonlinear structural systems. The first approach transforms the stability analysis to a problem of existence, that can be solved via convex optimization. The second approach is specifically applicable to explicit algorithms for nonlinear single-degree of freedom and multi-degree of freedom systems considering strictly positive real lemma. In this approach, the stability analysis of the formulated nonlinear system is transformed to investigating the strictly positive realness of its corresponding transfer function matrix. Ground motion selection and modification (GMSM) procedures determine the necessary input excitations to the NTHA simulations of structures. Therefore, proper selection of the GMSM procedures is vital and an important prerequisite for the accurate and robust NTHA simulation and thus for the entire PBEE approach. Although many GMSM procedures are available, there is no consensus regarding a single accurate method and many studies focused on evaluating these procedures. In this dissertation, a framework for probabilistic evaluation of the GMSM procedures is developed in the context of a selected large earthquake scenario with bidirectional GM excitations. In urban societies, RC highway bridges, representing key components of the transportation infrastructure systems, play a significant role in transporting goods and people around natural terrains. Therefore, they are expected to sustain minor damage and maintain their functionality in the aftermath of major earthquakes, which commonly occur in California due to many active faults. Accurate seismic structural analysis of existing and newly designed RC highway bridges is fundamental to estimate their seismic demands. As such important lifeline structures, RC highway bridge systems are investigated as an application of the previously discussed theoretical developments proposed in this dissertation to address the two key challenges in the PEER PBEE approach.

Nonlinear static monotonic (pushover) analysis has become a common practice in performance-based bridge seismic design. The popularity of pushover analysis is due to its ability to identify the failure modes and the design limit states of bridge piers and to provide the progressive collapse sequence of damaged bridges when subjected to major earthq

Tools to Safeguard New Buildings and Assess Existing OnesNonlinear analysis methods such as static pushover are globally considered a reliable tool for seismic and structural assessment. But the accuracy of seismic capacity estimates-which can prevent catastrophic loss of life and astronomical damage repair costs-depends on the use of the correct b

"TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 440, Performance-Based Seismic Bridge Design (PBSD) summarizes the current state of knowledge and practice for PBSD. PBSD is the process that links decision making for facility design with seismic input, facility response, and potential facility damage. The goal of PBSD is to provide decision makers and stakeholders with data that will enable them to allocate resources for construction based on levels of desired seismic performance"--Publisher's description.

Throughout the past few years, there has been extensive research done on structural design in terms of optimization methods or problem formulation. But, much of this attention has been on the linear elastic structural behavior, under static loading condition. Such a focus has left researchers scratching their heads as it has led to vulnerable structural configurations. What researchers have left out of the equation is the element of seismic loading. It is essential for researchers to take this into account in order to develop earthquake resistant real-world structures. Structural Seismic Design Optimization and Earthquake Engineering: Formulations and Applications focuses on the research around earthquake engineering, in particular, the field of implementation of optimization algorithms in earthquake engineering problems. Topics discussed within this book include, but are not limited to, simulation issues for the accurate prediction of the seismic response of structures, design optimization procedures, soft computing applications, and other important advancements in seismic analysis and design where optimization algorithms can be implemented. Readers will discover that this book provides relevant theoretical frameworks in order to enhance their learning on earthquake engineering as it deals with the latest research findings and their practical implementations, as well as new formulations and solutions.

This report is intended for use by practicing engineers and provides a summary of the state-of-the-art analysis, modeling, and design of concrete bridges subjected to strong earthquakes. It is intended to supplement and complement existing documents from the American Association of State Highway and Transportationn Officials (AASHTO), California Department of Transportation, (Caltrans) and various building codes and guidelines. Procedures and philosophies of codes and guidelines are summarized. Linear and nonlinear seismic analysis methods are also discussed and important modeling considerations for different bridge elements, including curved girders and skewed abutments, are highlighted. The report also includes a summary of general seismic-resistant design and construction considerations forconcrete bridges asa well as analysis and design considerations for bridges with seismic isolation.