Reconnaissance Report on Damage of Bridges in 2021 Maduo, China, Earthquake

A powerful earthquake occurred in Maduo, Qinghai Province, China, on May 22, 2021. Bridges at the earthquake-stricken area were damaged or even collapsed. Post-earthquake field investigations of damaged bridges were conducted by the authors during May 28-30, 2021. This is a reconnaissance report on the damage to two typical girder bridges near the epicenter as well as possible damage mechanisms. It is found that the velocity pulse effect of near-fault ground motions could trigger excessive longitudinal displacements and severe pounding of superstructures of long multi-span girder bridges. Abutments could effectively reduce longitudinal seismic damage of short girder bridges through providing sufficient translational restraints.