VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

101-0194-10L 2 Credits MSC D-BAUG
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Seismic Design and Evaluation of Bridges

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Anastasios Tsiavos
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:32:59

Abstract

The aim of this course is to provide the fundamental knowledge on the seismic design and evaluation of bridges in Switzerland and worldwide. The course focuses on the practical application of this knowledge through the seismic design and evaluation of real bridges located in Switzerland.

Objective

The existing bridge inventory in Switzerland consists of about 3340 bridges, facilitating the continuous function of the national highway transportation network. Furthermore, a large number of new bridges are under construction in Switzerland. These bridges serve as intermediate links, connecting different communities and enabling the accessibility of different infrastructure components. Within this frame, the seismic protection of new and existing bridges is critical for the maintenance of the functionality of our communities and their ability to recover after a strong earthquake event. Along these lines, this course aims to provide knowledge of the latest code provisions and analysis methods for the seismic design and evaluation of bridges in Switzerland and worldwide. This knowledge will be provided through a combination of theoretical background with practical case study examples. The students will work on a project related to the presented case studies, thus obtaining hands-on experience in the seismic evaluation and seismic retrofitting of existing bridges located in Switzerland.

Content

Lecture unit 1: 1. Introduction: bridges in low and moderate seismic hazard regions 2. Common seismic deficiencies of typical bridges Lecture unit 2: 3. Dynamic modelling of bridge systems 4. Dynamic modelling of bridge components (e.g. columns, bearings, joints, abutments, reinforcement splices, foundations, piles) Lecture unit 3: 5. Nonlinear static analysis 6. Nonlinear dynamic analysis Lecture unit 4: 7. Swiss code: seismic design 8. Swiss code: seismic evaluation Lecture unit 5: 9. Swiss example: seismic design issues 10. Swiss example: seismic evaluation Lecture unit 6 11. Seismic evaluation and retrofitting of bridges: EU perspective (low and moderate seismic hazard regions) 12. Seismic evaluation and retrofitting of bridges: US perspective (low and moderate seismic hazard regions) Lecture unit 7: 13. Project presentations 14. Course summary

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
Each student will self-select a project related to the seismic evaluation or seismic retrofitting of an existing bridge based on his or her preference. She/he will work on this project alone. The student will submit a written project description (about 3 pages) during Week 10 and receive feedback before the beginning of Week 11 lecture. Each student will then prepare a short written report (about 20 pages) to outline her/his methodology and calculations. The student will submit the report in Week 14 and present a short (no longer than 15 minutes) presentation of their work in class. The assessment of the performance of each student (pass or fail) will be based on the project report and presentation.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Seismic Design and Evaluation of Bridges
  • Tue 15:45-17:30 (HIL D 10.2)
2 h weekly

Offered In