SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE SANTA-MONICA VIADUCT BENT DETAILS

The paper describes tests carried out on large scale reinforced concre te test units with details modeling those encountered in sections of L os Angeles' 1-10 Santa Monica Viaduct. Lap-splices of column longitudi nal reinforcement, and joint details including inadequate development of column reinforcement in the cap beam and a total absence of special joint reinforcement would be considered unacceptable in new designs. The purpose of the tests was to obtain verification of analytical pred ictions that, despite the poor detailing the bents, could be expected to survive the design level earthquake without collapse. Test;results confirmed that the lap splices should perform adequately under seismic attack, and the column/cap beam connections would maintain gravity lo ad capacity after joint degradation.