Background of Seismic Provision in

IRC Code and Brief Overview of New

Seismic Guidelines

A.K. Banerjee
Former Member (Tech), NHAI
Convenor, IRC B-2 Committee
Background of Seismic Provision in IRC Code

 Seismic provisions were introduced in IRC Code IRC: 6 for first time
in year 1958, wherein the country was divided in three seismic zones
based on expected seismic intensity or degree of damage i.e. liable to
severe damage, moderate damage and minor or no damage, besides
Epicentral Tracts. This provisions continued till 1979;
 Meanwhile, IS: 1893 came up with a different seismic map showing
five seismic zones, which was introduced in IRC: 6 in 1981. Also,
computation of seismic force, horizontal seismic coefficient,
importance factor and a coefficient to account for different soil and
foundation system as given in IS: 1893-1970 were introduced in IRC: 6
Background of Seismic Provision in IRC Code…….contd.

 After Bhuj earthquake in 2001, following interim provisions were

introduced in IRC: 6:
 New seismic map showing four seismic zones along with zone factor
 Force based approach using spectral acceleration, importance factor
and single Response Reduction Factor R for all bridge components
 Mandatory provisions to prevent dislodgement of superstructure and
ductile detailing of piers in line with IS 13920 to minimize damage
especially in Zone IV and V
 Also, special seismic devices such as base isolation bearings, STUs
recommended
Background of Seismic Provision in IRC Code……..contd.

 Interim provisions replaced in 2008 by a new seismic clause on

seismic force using force based design approach and considering
simultaneous action of seismic force in three directions, near field
effects, dynamic earth pressure and hydrodynamic forces
 In year 2010, need was felt to prepare a comprehensive guidelines
for seismic design of road bridges based on Limit State Design
approach in lieu of working stress design approach as per NDMA
guidelines to follow IS 1893 by B-2 Committee
 A subgroup was constituted in 2015 comprising total nine members
to develop the basic frame work prepared by Prof. S.K. Thakkar and
finalize the various draft chapters. Sub Group held 22 meetings
during 2015-2017
Modifications in Seismic Clause During 2014-2017
During the period from 2014 to 2017, pending finalization of the new
Seismic Guidelines, following interim modifications were introduced in
the existing Seismic Clause 219:
 Requirement of Special Investigations introduced for bridges in Near Field
Regions i.e. 10 km from active faults
 Acceleration Coefficient Sa/g for various types of soil and criteria for
classification of soil types introduced based on IS: 1893 Part I
 Response Reduction Factors R modified for different bridge elements
including bearings and connections / stoppers and mandatory requirement of
ductile detailing in Seismic Zones III, IV & V specified
 Seismic coefficient introduced for estimating seismic force due to foundation
mass of embedded portion exceeding 30 m below scour level
Substantive Changes in New Guidelines IRC: SP: 114-2018

 Terminology of DBE and MCE explained and applicability of guideline for

seismic design of bridges with design service life of 100 years considering
Design Basis Earthquake (DBE);
 Bridges with design service life more than 100 years is outside scope;
 Adopted seismic map and spectral acceleration graphs as specified in IS: 1893
Part I – 2016;
 Adopts method given in IS: 1893 Part I -2016 for evaluation of liquefaction
potential;
 For estimation of seismic forces, Elastic Seismic Acceleration Method, Elastic
Response Spectrum Method and Time History Method have been specified;
 Describes various types of special investigations to be done for bridges to be
constructed in near field zones, skew and curved bridges etc. and Table added
to indicate the special studies / analysis required for specific cases.
Substantive Changes in IRC:SP: 114-2018…….contd.

 Principles of Capacity Design approach adopted for design to ensure that

damage is controllable i.e. plastic hinges occur only where designer
intends;
 Response Reduction Factor for superstructure deleted and only a note for
R factor for steel superstructure mentioned;
 Hydrodynamic force for bridge pier and foundation added with worked out
example;
 Procedure for Time History Method introduced;
 Provision of minimum design horizontal seismic force introduced;
 Requirement of type of seismic analysis for various types of bridges
elaborated depending on terrain and seismicity;
 Ductile detailing of concrete and steel and steel composite members
adequately covered;
 Emphasis given to prevent dislodgement of superstructure and suitable
provisions made accordingly in the Guidelines;
Substantive changes in IRC:SP: 114-2018……….contd.

 Procedure for force based design, capacity design, over strength

factor, potential location of plastic hinges, ductility and capacity
demand etc. explained and elaborated;
 Emphasis given to prevent dislodgement of superstructure and
suitable provisions made accordingly in the Guidelines;
 Potentially liquefiable soil and procedure for calculating liquefaction
potential introduced;
 Use of different types of bearings and specific mention of use of
elastomeric bearings introduced;
 Brief Introduction to Chapters
Guidelines comprise ten chapters and five informative Appendices with
Worked Out Examples:
Chapter 1: Preface
Chapter 2: Introduction
Chapter 3: Conceptual Design
Chapter 4: Seismic Induced Forces and Site Condition
Chapter 5: Seismic Analysis Method
Chapter 6: General Design Provision
Chapter 7: Seismic Design Methods
Chapter 8: Design of Bridge Components
Chapter 9: Ductile Detailing of Structures
Chapter 10: Seismic Isolation Devices
 Chapter 1 & 2

 Chapter 1 – Preface – defines history of provisions for seismic design of

bridges in IRC codes
 Chapter 2 – Introduction covers the following:
• Scope
• Seismic effects on bridges
• General principles of earthquake resistant design of bridges
• Design philosophy for use of DBE or MCE in design
• Special investigations and detailed studies for different
types og bridges
• Definitions and symbols
 Chapter 3 - Conceptual Design

 Site selection for bridges in terms of seismic vulnerability;

 Structural system and configuration with Table indicating
seismically preferred and not preferred structural configurations;
 Guidelines for design of bearings and expansion joints;
 Structural ductility and energy dissipation;
 Types of seismic devices
 Chapter 4 – Seismic Induced Forces &
Site Condition

 Horizontal (both transverse and longitudinal) and vertical ground

motions, their components and combination of component motions;
 Provision for vertical seismic component;
 Seismic zone map (as in IS 1893: Part I – 2016), zone factors and
importance factors;
 Damping coefficient of 5% specified for both steel and concrete
structures;
 General principle of soil structure interaction and seismic effect on live
load;
 Computation of dynamic component of earth pressure and
hydrodynamic forces on bridge piers and foundations.
 Chapter 5 – Seismic Analysis Methods

 Elastic Seismic Acceleration method (Seismic Coefficient method;

 Elastic Response Spectrum method;
 Two different Spectra proposed as in IS: 1893 Part I – 2016;
 Geotechnical aspects to determine spectra and three types of soil
classification for supporting the structure;
 Linear Time History method elaborated;
 Guidance provided to select appropriate analytical method;
 Minimum design Horizontal Seismic Acceleration Coefficient
specified to determine minimum horizontal seismic force in design
 Chapter 6 – General Design Provision

 Weak column and strong beam concept followed;

 Plastic hinges allowed to form in bridge piers at predetermined
locations as decided by designer;
 Strength based design approach amalgamating force based approach
and capacity design principle has been prescribed.
 Chapter 7 – Seismic Design Methods

 Detail coverage of force based approach, capacity design principles

and capacity design steps to be followed and structural components
to be protected;
 Procedure and advantages of capacity design principle following
Euro Code Annexure – G explained;
 How plastic hinge regions are to be designed and special confining
reinforcement for plastic hinge region and design of portion of pier
in between plastic hinge and the connections;
 Minimum shear force to be considered for either flexural or shear
mode of failure.
 Chapter 8 – Design of Bridge Components

 Provision for seismic design of superstructure, piers, abutments and

foundations;
 Identification of potentially liquefiable soils emphasized;
 Provision of seismic design of bearings, seismic connections
including STUs and expansion joints elaborated;
 Provision of reaction blocks, restrainers, rigid links or tie bars etc.
essentially to prevent dislodgement of superstructure.
 Chapter 9 – Ductile Detailing of Structures

 Additional provisions for ductile detailing in concrete piers included

in the Guidelines over and above the provisions in IRC: 112 like
percentage of reinforcement, minimum concrete grade etc.;
 Ductile detailing of steel structures covers the following:
 Ductile behaviour of framed structure likely to be in plastic range;
 Ensure adequate strength, stability and ductility to resist severe
earthquakes in all seismic zones;
 Ensure minimum level of curvature / rotation, ductility at plastic hinges
and ductility of tension braces designed as per IRC: 22 and IRC: 24
 Chapter 10 – Seismic Isolation Devices

 Design of bridges incorporating seismic isolation devices like;

• Hydraulic Viscous Damper;
• Elastomeric Bearing Damper (Low Damping Elastomer);
• High damping Elastomeric Bearing Damper;
• Lead – Rubber Bearing Damper;
• Friction Dumper
 Appendices with Examples

 Appendix A-1 – Illustration of elastic seismic acceleration method;

 Appendix A-2 – Illustration of elastic response spectrum method;
 Appendix A-3 – Illustration of capacity design procedure;
 Appendix A -4 – Illustration of hydrodynamic pressure on piers;
 Appendix A-5 – Illustration of liquefaction of soil.
Recent Amendments in IRC:SP: 114-2018

Following further amendments were recently approved by BSS and

IRC Council in July-August, 2019:

 Modifications in R factor for Zone II and minor modifications in various

clauses;
 Use of Elastomeric Bearings for resisting both seismic and non-seismic
forces in Zone IV & V;
 Modifications in Chapter 10 on Seismic Isolation and Damping Devices;
 Appendices and Examples updated and elaborated to avoid mismatch with
provision in main clauses in Code
Thank you