City Research Online

Abstract

A significant challenge in performance-based seismic design (PBSD) is to manage uncertainties in a cost-efficient manner. This highlights the necessity of integrating PBSD with a robust design optimisation (RDO) methodology. The objective is to find optimal solutions that are not only safe and cost-effective but also minimally sensitive to variations in input noise parameters such as record-to-record variability (RTRV) of ground motions and uncertainties related to structural properties. In this study, for the first time, an RDO formulation is tailored to the PBSD of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers. The developed optimisation framework is applied to the PBSD of RC piers following the specifications of fib Model Code 2010. The obtained results provide valuable insights into the trade-offs between economic costs and robustness of RC pier design solutions. They also underscore the importance of the proposed RDO method in decision-making processes, highlighting solutions that may be slightly more expensive but significantly more robust compared to the most economical options.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Soltanieh, S., Mergos, P. & Kappos, A. J. (2025). Robust Optimisation of Performance-based Seismic Design of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Piers. Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, which is to be published in final form at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10969845. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.
Publisher Keywords:	robust design optimisation, record-to-record variability, performance-based seismic design, reinforced concrete piers
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) T Technology > TG Bridge engineering
Departments:	School of Science & Technology School of Science & Technology > Engineering
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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