Statistical analysis of bridge damage data from the 1994 Northridge, CA, earthquake

This paper presents the significant findings from a study on damage to bridges during the January 17, 1994 Northridge, CA earthquake. The damage and repair cost data were compiled in a database for bridges in the Greater Los Angeles area. Observed damage data for all bridges were discriminated by structural characteristics. The analyses of data on bridge damage showed that concrete structures designed and built with older design standards were more prone to damage under seismic loading. Repair and/or reconstruction of collapsed structures formed seventy five percent of the total estimated repair cost. Peak ground acceleration values were also estimated at all bridge locations as part of this study. Empirical relationships between ground motion and bridge damage, and repair cost ratio were developed in the form of fragility curves and damage probability matrices, respectively. A comparison of the empirical and available ground motion-damage relationships demonstrated that the relationships that are currently in use do not correlate well to the observed damage.