A project is underway at the University of Nevada, Reno to investigate the seismic effects of multi-span curved bridges using a 2/5 scale model of a three-span bridge. The model is 145 ft long with an 80 ft radius at the centerline and it rests on four shake tables in the laboratory. The superstructure consists of three steel girders and a concrete deck that is 12 ft wide. The testing of this model is part of a larger project investigating seismic resilience, funded by the Federal Highway Administration.

The work at UNR focuses on the development of refined analysis and shaking table tests of scale models of bridge columns subjected to different levels of biaxial, torsion and vertical loads through real time earthquake motions. The performance of the specimens will be assessed in terms of strength, deformation, energy dissipation and failure mode. These results will be used to validate analytical tools, developing new inelastic models for RCC under combined loadings and to propose new design methodologies.

As one of the major projects in the first series of NEES research (NEESR) funded by the National Science Foundation, our study is addressing two important aspects of bridge seismic response, both focused on system performance: (1) behavior of modern concrete bridges reinforced with conventional materials, and (2) development and evaluation of bridges with innovative materials and details.

The objective of this research project was to determine the capacity of clay plastered, load bearing, straw bale wall assemblies under in-plane cyclic loading, and the performance of a small full-scale straw bale house using shake table simulation. The system was unique in that the site-fabricated bales were not as wide as those used in a typical straw bale building, and the fishing net reinforcement and gravel bag foundation were non-conventional.