The Effect of Viscous Dampers on the Seismic Performance of Curved Viaducts with the Combined Use of Steel Stoppers

Viaducts with roller bearings are subject to large displacement, which could lead to the collapse of the deck during earthquakes. This study attempts to prevent large displacements by installing steel stoppers at both sides of roller bearings. The efficiency of viscous damper stiffness on the seismic performance of curved viaducts with the combined use of steel stoppers at a spatial multipoint is evaluated. The pounding phenomena at steel stoppers are exactly simulated, considering the energy consumption by the modified Hertz-damp model. The overall performance of viaducts with different kinds of viscous dampers and different stopper values during serious earthquakes is evaluated. Application of viscous dampers and a stopper could reduce the possibility of deck unseating damage, relative displacement between superstructures, pounding forces at steel stoppers, and pier damage. Stopper value plays a more important role in pier damage than viscous dampers.