TABLE OF CONTENTS – SEISMIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

CHAPTER 24
FILE NO. TITLE DATE

TABLE OF CONTENTS AND INTRODUCTION

24.TOC-1 Table of Contents – Chapter 24 ............................................................... 31Oct2019

24.00-1 Introduction – Chapter 24......................................................................... 31Oct2019

SEISMIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

24.01-1 General Information.................................................................................. 31Oct2019

24.01-2 Seismic Design Parameters
Site Class ................................................................................................. 31Oct2019
24.01-3 Seismic Design Parameters
Seismic Zone............................................................................................ 31Oct2019
24.01-4 Seismic Design Parameters
Seismic Zone and Load Factor ................................................................ 31Oct2019
24.01-5 Seismic Design Parameters
Seismic Zone and Load Factor ................................................................ 31Oct2019

* 24.01-6 Seismic Design Parameters

Horizontal Response Spectral Acceleration Coefficient at Period of 1.0 Second
with Seismic Zone Boundary.................................................................... 31Oct2019
24.01-7 Seismic Design Procedures ..................................................................... 31Oct2019
24.01-8 Seismic Design Procedures ..................................................................... 31Oct2019
24.01-9 Seismic Design Procedures ..................................................................... 31Oct2019
24.01-10 Seismic Design Procedures ..................................................................... 31Oct2019
* 24.01-11 Seismic Design Procedures
Peak Horizontal Acceleration Coefficient with Boundary for Connection Design
Forces ...................................................................................................... 31Oct2019
24.01-12 Seismic Design Procedures ..................................................................... 31Oct2019
24.01-13 Seismic Design Procedures ..................................................................... 31Oct2019
24.01-14 Specific Structural Components............................................................... 31Oct2019
24.01-15 Seismic Detailing Requirements .............................................................. 31Oct2019
24.01-16 Seismic Detailing Requirements .............................................................. 31Oct2019
* 24.01-17 Seismic Detailing Requirements
Horizontal Response Spectral Acceleration Coefficient at Period of 1.0 Second
with Boundary for Detailing Requirements............................................... 31Oct2019
24.01-18 Seismic Detailing Requirements .............................................................. 31Oct2019
24.01-19 Seismic Detailing Requirements .............................................................. 31Oct2019
24.01-20 Seismic Detailing Requirements .............................................................. 31Oct2019
24.01-21 Seismic Detailing Requirements .............................................................. 31Oct2019
24.01-22 Seismic Detailing Requirements .............................................................. 31Oct2019

* Indicates 11 x 17 sheet; all others are 8 ½ x 11

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SEISMIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS DATE: 31Oct2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS – CHAPTER 24 SHEET 1 of 1
FILE NO. 24.TOC-1
 INTRODUCTION

It is the intent of this chapter to establish the practices and specific requirements of the Structure
and Bridge Division for the seismic design and detailing of VDOT structures and bridges.

References to AASHTO LRFD specifications in this chapter refer to the current AASHTO LRFD
Bridge Design Specifications including current VDOT Modifications (IIM-S&B-80).

The practices and specific requirements contained in this chapter have been established based
on the AASHTO LRFD specifications and the Structure and Bridge Division’s experience.

The practices and requirements set forth herein are intended to supplement or clarify the
requirements of the AASHTO LRFD specifications, and to provide additional information to assist
the designer. In the event of conflict(s) between the practices and requirements set forth herein
and those contained in the AASHTO LRFD specifications, the more stringent requirements shall
govern.

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INTRODUCTION – CHAPTER 24 SHEET 1 of 1
FILE NO. 24.00-1
GENERAL INFORMATION:

This chapter applies to the seismic design of conventional bridges such as bridges having slab, I-
beam, box beam, and truss superstructures; having multi-column pier, hammerhead pier,
wall/solid pier, or pile-bent substructures; having integral abutments, Virginia Abutments and
conventional abutments (Use of conventional abutment needs an approval from the State
Structure and Bridge Engineer.). For non-conventional bridges such as those with cable-stayed or
cable suspended superstructure, truss tower or hollow piers for substructure, arch bridges, or
movable bridges an appropriate design procedure shall be proposed by the designer subject to
the approval of the State Structure and Bridge Engineer or contact the Engineering Services
Program Area in the Structure and Bridge Division for design guidance.

Temporary and staged construction shall follow the requirements of this chapter if the temporary
condition will be in place for more than five years.

All bridges are designated as “Other Bridges” for the operational class unless designated
otherwise by the VDOT Structure and Bridge Division.

Seismic effects for box culverts and buried structures need not be considered.

The designer shall use the following basic seismic design features where possible to improve the
seismic performance of a bridge:

• Uniform dead load distribution

• Continuity of the superstructure
• Symmetry in structure stiffness and geometry
• No skew
• Integral abutments
• Firm soil or rock foundation
• Overall structure redundancy
• Ductile materials
• Lightweight materials
• Flexible connections including bearings

Seismic design herein refers to addressing earthquake or seismic effects on bridges. Seismic
design basically involves seismic analysis, seismic detailing and determining seismic connection
forces for bridges.

Seismic design of bridges shall be performed in accordance with the current AASHTO LRFD
Bridge Design Specifications and VDOT modifications. Seismic design is required for all bridges
in Virginia though the state of Virginia is located in a relatively low seismic hazard area. Seismic
analysis may not be needed in the many areas of Virginia.

The seismic performance zone and seismic design procedure shall be determined based on the
design earthquake motion and soil condition at the bridge site, i.e. Site Class. Seismic
Performance Zone is typically referred as Seismic Zone subsequently in this Chapter.

If the seismic zone for a bridge is determined to be Seismic Zone 2 or higher, the following
information shall be included in the General Notes on the bridge plans.

“The bridge is located in Seismic Performance Zone 2 and Site Class E.”

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GENERAL INFORMATION SHEET 1 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-1
SEISMIC DESIGN PARAMETERS:

Site Class:

Site Class, from A to F, at the bridge location shall be determined in accordance with AASHTO
LRFD 3.10.3.1 or the following table. The District Materials/Geotechnical Engineer shall make the
site class determination, which will be provided in the Bridge Geotechnical Report.

For Site Class A through E, the seismic zone and design response spectrum shall be determined
in accordance with AASHTO LRFD 3.10.2.1. Site Class F requires the site‐specific procedure, as
specified in AASHTO LRFD 3.10.2.2, to determine seismic performance zone and to establish
design response spectrum.

If a bridge location is identified as Site Class F, contact the Engineering Services Program Area in
the VDOT Structure and Bridge Division for design guidance.

Site
Soil Type and Profile
Class
A Hard rock with measured shear wave velocity,  > 5,000 ft/s
B Rock with 2,500 ft/sec <  < 5,000 ft/s
C Very dense soil and soil rock with 1,200 ft/sec <  < 2,500 ft/s,
or with either   > 50 blows/ft, or  > 2.0 ksf
D  < 50 blows/ft,
Stiff soil with 600 ft/s <  < 1,200 ft/s, or with either 15 < 
or 1.0 <  < 2.0 ksf
E Soil profile with  < 600 ft/s or with either  < 15 blows/ft or  < 1.0 ksf, or any
profile with more than 10.0 ft of soft clay defined as soil with PI > 20, w > 40
percent and  < 0.5 ksf
F Soils requiring site-specific evaluations, such as:
• Peats or highly organic clays (H > 10.0 ft of peat or highly organic clay)
• Very high plasticity clays (H > 25.0 ft with PI > 75)
• Very thick soft/medium stiff clays (H >120 ft)

Where the soil properties are not known in sufficient detail to determine the site class, a
site investigation shall be undertaken sufficient to determine the site class. Site classes E
or F should not be assumed. If site classes E or F could be present at the site, contact the
Geotechnical Engineering Program Area in the Structure and Bridge Division for guidance.

Typically, the use of -Value method yields conservative results with respect to the Site
Class. It may be beneficial to perform insitu shear wave velocity tests in order to justify the
use of a higher Site Class, for example, use of Site Class D instead of Site Class E.

where:

 = average shear wave velocity for the upper 100 ft of the soil profile
 = average Standard Penetration Test (SPT) blow count (blows/ft) (ASTM D1586) for the

upper 100 ft of the soil profile
 = average undrained shear strength in ksf (ASTM D2166 or ASTM D2850) for the upper

100 ft of the soil profile
H = thickness of soil
PI = plasticity index (ASTM D4318)
w = moisture content (ASTM D2216)

SEISMIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS PART 2

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SEISMIC DESIGN PARAMETERS SHEET 2 of 22
SITE CLASS FILE NO. 24.01-2
SEISMIC DESIGN PARAMETERS (continued):

Seismic Zone:

Each bridge shall be assigned to one of the four seismic zones in accordance with AASHTO
LRFD Table 3.10.6-1. Seismic Zone in Virginia can be classified using Method A or Method B as
follows.

AASHTO LRFD Table 3.10.6-1 – Seismic Zones

Acceleration Coefficient, SD1 Seismic Zone

SD1
0.15 1

0.15 < SD1
0.30 2

0.30 < SD1
0.50 3

0.50 < SD1 4

where:

SD1 = FvS1, Horizontal Response Acceleration Coefficient, given by AASHTO LRFD Equation
3.10.4.2-6;
S1, Horizontal Response Spectral Acceleration Coefficient at period of 1.0 second period on
rock (Site Class B), given in AASHTO LRFD Figure 3.10.2.1-3 or File No. 24.01-6;
Fv, Site Factor, given in AASHTO LRFD Table 3.10.3.2-3.

Method A:

This method uses Site Class and the areas identified in the following table to determine Seismic
Zone. Line I is shown in File No. 24.01-6, which approximately represents S1 = 0.043g.

Seismic Zone Case

Site Class E AND bridge is located in the
2 area enclosed by Line I and southwestern
state borders ( and on Line I )
Depending on Site-specific
Site Class F
Evaluation
1 Other cases

Method B:

This method uses Site Class and the value of SD1 to determine Seismic Zone. The range of S1
varies from 0.025 to 0.0625 in Virginia. The highest (and lowest) contours of S1 for a particular
region in Virginia are given in File No. 24.01-6. Linear interpolation shall be used for sites located
between contour lines.

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SEISMIC DESIGN PARAMETERS SHEET 3 of 22
SEISMIC ZONE FILE NO. 24.01-3
SEISMIC DESIGN PARAMETERS (continued):

The following table may be used to determine the seismic zone in Virginia.

Response Acceleration Coefficient, SD1 = FvS1

Site Factor, Fv S1
Site Class
(for S1 < 0.10) 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.0625
A 0.8 0.016 0.024 0.032 0.040 0.048 0.050
B 1.0 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.060 0.063
C 1.7 0.034 0.051 0.068 0.085 0.102 0.106
D 2.4 0.048 0.072 0.096 0.120 0.144 0.150
E 3.5 0.070 0.105 0.140 0.175 0.210 0.219
F - Site Specific Evaluation Required

Indicates Seismic Zone 1. Indicates Seismic Zone 2.

Per AASHTO LRFD 3.10.6, if SD1
0.15, the site is Seismic Zone 1; if 0.15 < SD1
0.30, the site
is Seismic Zone 2. The above table shows that the majority of areas in Virginia lie in Seismic
Zone 1. However it is advised that a site could be Seismic Zone 2, 3 or 4 if a bridge site is Site
Class F.

The state of Virginia is located in a relatively low seismic hazard zone and the general guidelines
regarding the seismic zones in Virginia are presented as follows:

a) If the bridge site is determined to be Site Class A, B, C or D, the bridge site will be
classified as Seismic Zone 1.

b) If the bridge site is determined to be Site Class E, bridge sites with S1 below 0.043
will be classified as Seismic Zone 1 and other sites will be classified as Seismic Zone 2.

c) If the bridge site is determined to be Site Class F, the Seismic Zone will be determined
by a site‐specific procedure.

Example for Determining Seismic Zone:

A bridge is to be replaced on Route 58 near the Town of Danville. The bridge location is Site
Class E (from the geotechnical report). Determine the seismic zone for bridge design.

Method A:

Using the map for Horizontal Response Spectral Acceleration Coefficient at Period of 1.0 second
in File No. 24.01-6, the bridge is located to the west of Line I. Per the table in File No. 24.01-3,
the bridge shall be designed based on Seismic Zone 2.

Method B:

Using the map for Horizontal Response Spectral Acceleration Coefficient at Period of 1.0 second,
the bridge is located halfway between the 0.04 and 0.05 contour lines. Therefore:

SEISMIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS PART 2

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SEISMIC DESIGN PARAMETERS SHEET 4 of 22
SEISMIC ZONE AND LOAD FACTOR FILE NO. 24.01-4
SEISMIC DESIGN PARAMETERS (continued):

S1 = (0.04+0.05)/2 = 0.045, and

SD1 = Fv x S1 = 3.5 x 0.045 = 0.16 > 0.15

Based on the table in File No. 24.01-4, the bridge shall be designed based on Seismic Zone 2.

Load Factor:

The load factor for live loads in the Extreme Event I Limit State, EQ, shall be 0.5 for all bridges.

SEISMIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS PART 2

DATE: 31Oct2019
SEISMIC DESIGN PARAMETERS SHEET 5 of 22
SEISMIC ZONE AND LOAD FACTOR FILE NO. 24.01-5
 (Blue lines show Horizontal Response Spectral Acceleration Coefficient at Period of 1.0 second, S1.
Numerical values of S1 are obtained by dividing contour values by 100.)

SEISMIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS PART 2

DATE: 31Oct2019
SEISMIC DESIGN PARAMETERS SHEET 6 of 22
HORIZONTAL RESPONSE SPECTRAL ACCELERATION COEFFICIENT AT PERIOD OF 1.0 SECOND WITH SEISMIC ZONE BOUNDARY FILE NO. 24.01-6
SESIMIC DESIGN PROCEDURES:

Seismic design may involve seismic analysis, seismic detailing, providing adequate support
length, determining connection forces and so on.

Seismic analysis is required for multi-span bridges in Seismic Zone 2 or higher. Seismic analysis
methods to determine the design earthquake loads on the substructure shall be selected as
specified in AASHTO LRFD 4.7.4, unless specified otherwise in this Chapter. The analysis
method is selected based on the seismic zone, operational class and regularity of the bridge. All
VDOT bridges are designated as “Other Bridges” for the operational class as defined in AASHTO
LRFD 3.10.5, unless designated otherwise by the VDOT Structure and Bridge Division.

Seismic Zone 3 or Zone 4 involves a classification of Site Class F in Virginia, which requires site
specific evaluation. When these cases come up, contact the Engineering Services Program Area
in the VDOT Structure and Bridge Division for design guidance.

The following seismic design flowchart may be used as an aid for design of bridges in various
seismic zones.

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SESIMIC DESIGN PROCEDURES SHEET 7 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-7
SESIMIC DESIGN PROCEDURES (continued):

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SESIMIC DESIGN PROCEDURES SHEET 8 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-8
SEISMIC DESIGN PROCEDURES (continued):

Single Span Bridges:

Single span bridges do not require a seismic analysis regardless of the seismic zone in which
they are located. The connection design forces in restrained directions shall be determined as
follows.

 = 0.10 

where
 = horizontal design connection force in the restrained directions;

 = vertical reaction due to the permanent load and the live loads assumed to
exist during an earthquake.

The connections between the superstructure and the substructure including the bearings shall be
designed to resist the seismic connection design forces combined with other applicable forces.

Multi-Span Bridges in Seismic Zone 1:

Multi‐span bridges in Seismic Zone 1 do not require a seismic analysis.

The connection design forces in restrained directions shall be determined using Method A or
Method B as follows.

Method A:

The horizontal design connection force in the restrained directions can be calculated:

 = 0.25  , Case 1 in the following table

 = 0.15  , Case 2 in the following table

Line I, Line II and Line III are shown in File No. 24.01-11.

Site Class
A B C D E
Case 1 N/A Area West of West of Statewide
enclosed by Line II Line III
Line I and
southwestern
state borders
Case 2 Statewide Other Areas Other Other N/A
Areas Areas

Method B:

The connection design forces in restrained directions can be determined in accordance with
AASHTO LRFD 3.10.9.2.

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SEISMIC DESIGN PROCEDURES SHEET 9 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-9

 = 0.15  , if As < 0.05 in Seismic Zone 1

 = 0.25  , if As
0.05 in Seismic Zone 1

where, acceleration coefficient, As, can be determined using the following table.

Acceleration Coefficient, As = Fpga PGA

Site Factor*, Fpga PGA

Site Class
(for PGA < 0.10) 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07
A 0.8 0.016 0.024 0.032 0.040 0.048 0.056
B 1.0 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.060 0.070
C 1.2 0.024 0.036 0.048 0.060 0.072 0.084
D 1.6 0.032 0.048 0.064 0.080 0.096 0.112
E 2.5 0.050 0.075 0.100 0.125 0.150 0.175
F - Site Specific Evaluation Required

* See AASHTO LRFD Table 3.10.3.2-1

Indicates As < 0.05. Indicates As
0.05.

where, PGA – Peak Ground Acceleration Coefficient, given in AASHTO LRFD Figure 3.10.2.1-1
or File No. 24.01-11.

Example for Determining Connection Forces:

A bridge is to be replaced on Route 40 near the Town of Lunenburg. The bridge location is Site
Class C (from the geotechnical report). Determine the applicable equation for calculating
connection forces.

Method A:

Using the map for Peak Horizontal Acceleration Coefficient in File No. 24.01-11, the bridge is
located to the west of Line II. Per the table in File No. 24.01-9, the connection forces shall be
calculated as:
 = 0.25  .

Method B:

Using the map for Peak Horizontal Acceleration Coefficient in File No. 24.01-11, the bridge is
located near the 0.05 contour line. Therefore:

PGA = 0.05, and

As = Fpga x PGA = 1.2 x 0.05 = 0.06 > 0.05

Based on the table in File No. 24.01-10, the connection forces shall be calculated as:
 = 0.25
 .

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SEISMIC DESIGN PROCEDURES SHEET 10 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-10
 (Thin blue lines show Peak Horizontal Acceleration Coefficient, PGA.
Numerical values of PGA are obtained by dividing contour values by 100.)

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SEISMIC DESIGN PROCEDURES SHEET 11 of 22
PEAK HORIZONTAL ACCELERATION COEFFICIENT WITH BOUNDARY FOR CONNECTION DESIGN FORCES FILE NO. 24.01-11
SEISMIC DESIGN PROCEDURES (continued):

The connections between the superstructure and the substructure including the bearings shall be
designed to resist the seismic connection design forces combined with other applicable forces.

The minimum connection forces specified herein are intended to be sufficiently conservative to
prevent premature failure and are not intended to precisely reflect the expected dynamic seismic
forces.

Connections that transfer forces from one part of a structure to another include, but are not
limited to, fixed bearings, expansion bearings with restrainer devices, pile/cap connections, and
shear blocks. A connection may be an element that simply restrains a member and may not
physically connect to that member, such as transverse shear blocks. Additionally, anchorage
detailing for connections should be extended far enough into the adjacent member to ensure that
premature or unintentional local failure is prevented. Similarly, the design of a girder support
pedestal shall consider the connection forces specified herein.

Multi-Span Bridges in Seismic Zone 2:

Multi‐span bridges in Seismic Zone 2 require a seismic analysis, as specified in AASHTO LRFD
3.10.9.3. Horizontal earthquake loads in longitudinal and transverse directions shall be calculated
from one of the analysis methods specified in AASHTO LRFD 4.7.4.3.1:

• Uniform load method

• Single‐mode method
• Multi‐mode method

These loads will be combined and modified to determine the seismic design loads as specified in
AASHTO LRFD 3.10.9.3. These load cases shall be combined with other applicable loads for the
Extreme Event I Limit State, as specified in AASHTO LRFD 3.4.1.

For the Extreme Event I Limit State, the load factors for dead loads shall be 1.0 for steel pile
bents in accordance with AASHTO LRFD 6.5.5. For all other substructure types, the load factors
for dead loads shall be in accordance with AASHTO LRFD 3.4.1.

The resistance factors in the Extreme Event I Limit State shall be 1.0 for steel pile bents in
accordance with AASHTO LRFD 6.5.5 and 0.9 for other substructure types in accordance with
AASHTO LRFD 5.11.4.1.2.

The requirements of AASHTO LRFD 5.11.4 shall apply to bridges in Seismic Zone 2 except that
the area of longitudinal reinforcement shall not be less than 0.01 or more than 0.06 times the
gross cross-sectional area of the bridge columns.

Minimum Support Length Requirements:

In Seismic Zone 1, support lengths at expansion bearings without restrainers shall accommodate
a percentage of the empirical support length, N. In Seismic Zone 2, support lengths at expansion
bearings without restrainers shall either accommodate the greater of the maximum displacement
calculated in seismic analysis or a percentage of N. Otherwise, longitudinal restrainers complying
with Article 3.10.9.5 shall be provided. For new structures, use of longitudinal restrainers or hold
down devices will require approval of the State Structure and Bridge Engineer. The percentages
of N, applicable to each seismic zone, shall be as specified in the following table.

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SESIMIC DESIGN PROCEDURES SHEET 12 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-12
SEISMIC DESIGN PROCEDURES (continued):

 = (8 + . 2 + . 8 )(1 + . 125  )

Where,

N = minimum support length measured normal to the centerline of bearing (inch)

L = length of the bridge deck to the adjacent expansion joint, or to the end of the bridge deck;
length of the bridge deck (foot), for single-span bridges.

H = average height of columns supporting the bridge deck from the abutment to the next
expansion joint (foot), for abutments;
column or pier height (foot), for columns and/or piers;
0.0 (foot), for single-span bridges.

S = skew of support measured from line normal to span (degrees)

Abutment Virginia Pier Cap

* Expansion joint or end of bridge deck

Percentage of N by Seismic Zone

Seismic Zone Case Percentage of N
1 Case 2
75
1 Case 1 100
2 - 150

The Cases shall be determined in the following table. Line I, Line II and Line III are shown in File
No. 24.01-9.

Site Class
A B C D E
Case 1 N/A Area West of West of Statewide
enclosed by Line II Line III
Line I and
southwestern
state borders
Case 2 Statewide Other areas Other Other N/A
areas areas

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SESIMIC DESIGN PROCEDURES SHEET 13 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-13
SPECIFIC STRUCTRURAL COMPONENTS:

Bearings:

Bearings including anchor bolts shall be designed for seismic forces in accordance with AASHTO
LRFD 14.6.5.

The horizontal forces in the bearing table on the bearing plans shall include the seismic forces as
specified in AASHTO LRFD 3.10.9.2 for Seismic Zone 1 and in AASHTO LRFD 3.10.9.3 for
Seismic Zone 2.

Use of isolation bearings for seismic design shall be approved by the State Structure and Bridge
Engineer.

Anchors:

Anchors shall be designed in accordance to the appropriate provisions of ACI 318-14, Chapter 17
as stated in AASHTO LRFD 5.13. It is advised that AASHTO LRFD 5.13.3 and C5.13.3 provide
some directions for using ACI 318-14 for seismic design.

Segmental Construction:

For segmental superstructure design with moment resisting column to superstructure connections
in Seismic Zone 2 and above, consider seismic design in accordance AASHTO LRFD
5.12.5.3.12.

Abutments and Walls:

A seismic design is not considered mandatory for walls in most areas in Virginia per AASHTO
LRFD 11.5.4.2. However seismic analysis for the following cases shall be considered:

• Liquefaction induced lateral spreading or slope failure, or seismically induced slope

failure, which due to the presence of sensitive clays that lose strength during the seismic
shaking, may impact the stability of the wall for the design earthquake.

• The wall supports another structure that is required, based on the applicable code or
specification for the supported structure, to be designed for seismic loading and poor
seismic performance of the wall could impact the seismic performance of that structure.

When a seismic analysis is needed, resistance factors for extreme event limit state shall be taken
per AASHTO LRFD 11.5.8 and seismic design for abutments and conventional retaining walls
shall be performed per AASHTO LRFD 11.6.5.

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SPECIFIC STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS SHEET 14 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-14
SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS:

Bridge substructures shall be detailed as required in AASHTO LRFD 5.11. The seismic detailing
requirements for the amount and spacing of reinforcement shall always be checked after the
general detailing requirements are met, and more reinforcement shall be added as necessary.

The seismic detailing of the structural components shall conform to the requirements in Method A
or Method B as follows.

Method A:

The detailing requirements can be determined based on the following table.

Line I, Line II and Line III are shown in File No. 24.01-17.

Site Class
A B C D E
Seismic * N/A N/A Southwest Southwest West of
Detailing of Line I of Line II Line III
General ** Statewide Statewide Other Other Other
Detailing areas areas areas

* Seismic Detailing – Seismic detailing in the subsequent sections in this chapter and
applicable seismic detailing in AASHTO LRFD Specifications.

** General Detailing – Non-seismic detailing in AASHTO LRFD Specifications and VDOT

standard detailing practice.

Method B:

Seismic detailing can be as specified in AASHTO LRFD Specifications 5.11.2 and 5.11.3.

For Seismic Zone 1 and SD1 < 0.10, AASHTO LRFD Specifications shall be followed and VDOT
standard detailing practices apply.

For Seismic Zone 1 and SD1
0.10 or Seismic Zone 2, AASHTO LRFD Specifications shall be
followed and seismic detailing as described in this chapter shall apply.

Response Acceleration Coefficient, SD1 = FvS1

Site Factor, Fv S1
Site Class
(for S1 < 0.10) 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.0625
A 0.8 0.016 0.024 0.032 0.040 0.048 0.050
B 1.0 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.060 0.063
C 1.7 0.034 0.051 0.068 0.085 0.102 0.106
D 2.4 0.048 0.072 0.096 0.120 0.144 0.150
E 3.5 0.070 0.105 0.140 0.175 0.210 0.219
F - Site Specific Evaluation Required

Indicates SD1 < 0.10. Indicates 0.10  SD1 < 0.15.

Indicates SD1
0.15 (Seismic Zone 2).

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SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS SHEET 15 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-15
Example for Determining Detailing Requirements:

A bridge is to be replaced on I-81 near the City of Roanoke. The bridge location is Site Class D
(from the geotechnical report). Determine the detailing requirements.

Method A:

Using the map for Horizontal Response Acceleration Coefficient at Period of 1.0 second in File
No. 24.01-17, the bridge is located to the southwest of Line II. Per the table in File No. 24.01-15,
the bridge shall be detailed with the seismic detailing requirements.

Method B:

Using the map for Horizontal Response Acceleration Coefficient at Period of 1.0 second in File
No. 24.01-17, the bridge is located halfway between the 0.04 and 0.05 contour lines. Therefore:

S1 = 0.045, and

SD1 = Fv x S1 = 2.4 x 0.045 = 0.108 > 0.10

Based on the table in File No. 24.01-17, the bridge shall be detailed with the seismic detailing
requirements.

Bridges in Seismic Zone 1:

For bridges are located in Seismic Zone 1 and seismic detailing is required based on Method A or
Method B, the transverse reinforcement at the top and bottom of a column shall meet the
requirements as specified in AASHTO LRFD 5.11.4.1.3, 5.11.4.1.4, 5.11.4.1.5, and this chapter.

Bridges in Seismic Zone 2:

In addition to the requirements as indicated in File No. 24.01-14 thru 22, the bridges in Seismic
Zone 2 shall meet the seismic detailing requirements specified in AASHTO LRFD 5.11.4, except
the requirements for prestressed concrete piles as specified below.

The amount of longitudinal reinforcement in a column shall be determined in accordance with

AASHTO LRFD 5.11.4.1, except that the area of longitudinal reinforcement shall not be less than
0.01 or more than 0.06 times the gross cross section area of the column.

This requirement for longitudinal reinforcement shall apply to the entire height of the column. The
spacing of transverse reinforcement shall not be larger than that required in 5.11.4.1.5. This
requirement for transverse reinforcement shall apply to the plastic hinge regions. The transverse
reinforcement shall extend into the adjoining members in accordance with AASHTO LRFD
5.11.4.1.3.

For prestressed concrete piles, the longitudinal steel shall not be less than 1 percent of the cross-
sectional area and provided by not less than four bars. Spiral reinforcement or equivalent ties of
not less than #3 bars shall be provided at a pitch not exceeding 9.0 inches, except that a 3.0
inches pitch shall be used within a confinement length not less than 2.0 feet or 1.5 pile diameters
below the pile cap reinforcement.

PART 2
SEISMIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS DATE: 31Oct2019
SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS SHEET 16 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-16
 (Thin blue lines show Horizontal Response Spectral Acceleration Coefficient at Period of 1.0 second, S1.
Numerical values of S1 are obtained by dividing contour values by 100.)

SEISMIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS PART 2

DATE: 31Oct2019
SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS SHEET 17 of 22
HORIZONTAL RESPONSE SPECTRAL ACCELERATION COEFFICIENT AT PERIOD OF 1.0 SECOND WITH BOUNDARY FOR DETAILING REQUIREMENTS FILE NO. 24.01-17
SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS (continued):

Details of Reinforcement:

Spirals shall be used over ties for transverse column reinforcement wherever applicable.

The development length for all longitudinal steel shall be 1.25 times the development lengths that
are specified in Chapter 7. Spacing of longitudinal bars shall not be greater than 8” center-to-
center.

Where more than one spiral cage is used to confine an oblong column core, the spirals shall be
interlocked with longitudinal bars.

Column Interlocking Spiral Details

PART 2
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SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS SHEET 18 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-18
SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS (continued):

The ties used for square or rectangular columns shall meet the requirements as shown in the
following figures. The maximum space between the crossties or between the crosstie and tie shall
not be greater than 14”.

Square Column Tie Details

Rectangular Column Tie Details

The lap splice of the longitudinal reinforcement shall meet the requirements in AASHTO LRFD
5.11.4.1.6. The use of column splice should be avoided wherever possible especially high
moment and high shear locations. Lap splices in the longitudinal reinforcement may be used in
Seismic Zone 2 with the approval of the State Structure and Bridge Engineer.

The transverse reinforcement in the column shall be extended to the cap beam or footing as
specified in the following figures.

PART 2
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SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS SHEET 19 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-19
SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS (continued):

Column with Spread Footing or Pile Cap

1. Place spirals at 4” pitch and extend a distance of the greater of D/2 or 1’-3” into the
footing and cap (D = column diameter, or max column dimension.).

2. Place spirals at 4” pitch for a distance of the greater of D, L/6 or 1’-6” (L = height of
column from top of footing to bottom of cap beam.).

3. If fully welded or mechanical splices are used, they shall be staggered 2’-0” minimum
between adjacent bars. The spacing of spiral reinforcement shall be 4” in the splice
range.

PART 2
SEISMIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS DATE: 31Oct2019
SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS SHEET 20 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-20
SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS (continued):

Pile Bent

1. Place spirals at 4” pitch and extend a distance of the greater of D/2 or 1’-3” into the
footing and cap (D = column diameter, or max column dimension.).

2. Place spirals at 4” pitch for a distance of the greater of D, L/6 or 1’-6” (L as shown) at the
top of the pile bent. At the bottom of the pile bent, this distance shall be three pile
diameters below the calculated point of maximum moment to one pile diameter above the
mud line. Spirals in this range shall be made fully welded or mechanically spliced.

3. If fully welded or mechanical splices are used, they shall be staggered 2’-0” minimum
between adjacent bars. The spacing of spiral reinforcement shall be 4” in the splice
range.

PART 2
SEISMIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS DATE: 31Oct2019
SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS SHEET 21 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-21
SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS (continued):

If the edge distance from the center of an anchor bolt to the edge of the bridge seat is less than
12”, anchor reinforcement shall be detailed as shown in the following figure.

The anchor reinforcement shall not be considered to contribute to the design of the anchor bolt.

Plan

Section A - A

Anchor Reinforcement

PART 2
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SEISMIC DETAILING REQUIREMENTS SHEET 22 of 22
FILE NO. 24.01-22