SEISMIC DESIGN PRACTICE IN JAPAN. IN: BRIDGE ENGINEERING: SEISMIC DESIGN

This paper presents technical developments for seismic design and seismic retrofit of highway bridges in Japan. The history of the earthquake damage and development of the seismic design methods is described, and the damage caused by the 1995 Hyogo-ken Nanbu earthquake as well as lessons learned from that earthquake are discussed. The seismic design methods introduced in the 1996 Seismic Design Specifications for Highway Bridges are described. Seismic performance levels and design methods as well as ductility design methods for reinforced concrete piers, steel piers, foundations, and bearings are discussed in detail. The seismic retrofit program after the Hyogo-ken Nanbu earthquake is described with emphasis on the seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete piers as well as research and development on the seismic retrofit of existing highway bridges.