Stiffness Formulation for the Glendale-Hyperion Bridge Foundations

CH2M HILL completed a seismic vulnerability study of the historic Hyperion/Glendale Viaduct (bridge) located near downtown Los Angeles. As part of the study, CH2M HILL applied innovative computer modeling and numerical techniques to the stiffness of the existing pile foundations. Analyses of the pile foundations indicate pile failure during the maximum credible earthquake (MCE) event. Stiffness results generated by the computer modeling agreed well with validation results. The computer modeling and finite element analyses of all of the very large pile group/cap systems saved significant calculation time compared to generally accepted hand-calculation methods.