City Research Online

Abstract

Replaceable corrugated steel web (CSW) links offer a practical energy-dissipating solution for bridge piers, combining straightforward detailing with stable hysteretic properties. To assess their effectiveness in enhancing seismic performance, this study evaluates the seismic fragility and resilience of bridges equipped with such links in double-column piers (DCPs). A simplified spatial-grid modeling approach is introduced for CSW links, and a corresponding restoration model for the DCP system across multiple damage states is established and validated via finite element analysis. These methods are applied to a case study bridge, where dynamic response and seismic fragility are analyzed. Key resilience metrics, namely post-earthquake immediate functionality and equivalent downtime, are quantified. The proposed modeling strategy significantly improves computational efficiency without compromising accuracy. The results confirm that CSW links contribute substantial energy dissipation, effectively limiting residual pier drifts and protecting the primary structural members. Compared to a conventional DCP system without links, the CSW-equipped system demonstrated average reductions in the ultimate ductility ratio of 76%, 43%, and 28% at PGA levels of 0.3 g, 0.6 g, and 1.2 g, respectively. The overall computational framework, which integrates engineering demand parameters (pier ductility ratio and link shear drift ratio) with the developed restoration model, is shown to be both applicable and reliable. At seismic fortification levels corresponding to 50-year probabilities of exceedance of 10% and 2%, the bridge with CSW links exhibits approximately 8% and 22% higher post-earthquake immediate functionality, respectively, indicating a clear improvement in seismic resilience. The performance evaluation system developed herein provides a valuable reference for the design and assessment of conventional-span bridges utilizing replaceable CSW links.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2026 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. This is the accepted manuscript of an article published by Elsevier. Please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions for information on re-use.
Publisher Keywords:	Corrugated webs; Replaceable link; Double-column bridge piers; Seismic fragility; Resilience assessment
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) T Technology > TG Bridge engineering
Departments:	School of Science & Technology School of Science & Technology > Department of Engineering
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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