Damage analysis and seismic retrofitting of a continuous prestressed reinforced concrete bridge

•The analysis and seismic retrofit of a prestressed reinforced concrete bridge with unusual features have been done by authors.•The main causes of observed damages are investigated and motivated.•The most suitable retrofit strategy is selected and designed.

SummaryThe seismic analysis and retrofit of prestressed reinforced concrete bridge is discussed by considering a real case of a viaduct still in use. The unique features of this bridge make this type of bridge particularly interesting, either structurally or architecturally. The paper begins with the analysis of certain particular structural deficiencies that emerged during the viaduct operation. The results of the analysis indicate that the structural performance can be enhanced by only modifying the support devices. The primary structural components are not required to be involved in the retrofitting process. Using the modern seismic code, the upgrading of the viaduct performance is obtained by replacing the old bearing devices on the piers and existing viscous dampers connected abutments to the deck with new modernised ones.