Seismic active earth pressure for bridge abutments based on design response spectrum

Calculating seismic active earth pressure for bridge abutments is a traditional yet critical issue. Existing analytical methods in the limit equilibrium state framework still have significant shortcomings in considering the time history and distribution characteristics of seismic inertial forces. Using the design response spectrum and mathematical methods derived from the random vibration theory and Fourier transform, this article proposes solutions for the horizontal seismic acceleration distribution in backfill soil. This study established a new model for calculating seismic active earth pressure for bridge abutments using the modified seismic acceleration distribution, including analytical solution formulas for the resultant force, intensity distribution, and resultant-force location. Furthermore, a series of centrifuge shaking table tests were conducted. The proposed method provided a more accurate description of the nonlinear characteristics of seismic acceleration and seismic earth pressure intensity distributions compared with conventional methods.