Bridges

This paper presents a summary of the outcomes from a research project commissioned by the NZ Transport Agency to develop design guidance for bridges in New Zealand for liquefaction and lateral spreading effects. The purpose of this research is to prepare design guidelines that will give clear design methodology and enable cost-efficient design of bridges, reducing the need for costly ground improvements on sites subject to these hazards. The current stage of the project is a review of the available design methods and the development of design principles and methods for liquefaction and lateral spreading effects on bridges appropriate for New Zealand conditions. Once finalised, the proposed design requirements and guidelines will be incorporated in the NZ Transport Agency’s Bridge Manual and disseminated to the wider New Zealand engineering community.