Seismic Resilience Assessment of a Regional Bridge Network

Abstract

This study evaluates the seismic resilience of a regional bridge network, focusing on the interconnectedness and interdependence among individual bridges and emergency facilities. A framework for resilience assessment is developed and applied to a bridge network in Vancouver, British Columbia, consisting of 11 bridges across seven main routes. The methodology integrates fragility-based models to calculate network resilience, considering various bridge configurations, including monolithic and seismically isolated bridges. The analysis highlights that bridges with seismic isolation exhibit superior resilience and functionality compared to monolithic bridges, especially under higher seismic intensities. Network damage, reliability, and resilience indices are used to quantify the impact of individual bridge failures on overall network performance. The results demonstrate the importance of bridge type and network topology on resilience, emphasizing that increasing alternative paths between critical nodes enhances network reliability and reduces vulnerability. These findings offer valuable insights for disaster mitigation strategies and infrastructure resilience planning in seismic-prone regions.