An overview of performance-based seismic design methodology for bridges

The Performance-Based Seismic Design (PBSD) is an advanced approach to designing earthquake-resistant structures, ensuring that a building meets specific performance objectives under seismic impacts. Unlike traditional design codes, PBSD aims to predict and control the damage to structures based on defined earthquake levels, minimizing damage and repair costs after an earthquake. The PBSD process includes defining performance objectives, selecting appropriate analysis models, conducting nonlinear analyses, and evaluating damage levels. Analytical methods such as nonlinear static pushover analysis and dynamic time history analysis are commonly applied in this process. Due to the need for in-depth knowledge and complex calculations, implementing PBSD can present significant challenges. This paper aims to present the details of PBSD based on seismic design codes and applies this approach to seismic design for bridges under earthquakes.