International Journal of Advanced Technology and Engineering Exploration ISSN (Print): 2394-5443    ISSN (Online): 2394-7454 Volume-13 Issue-139 June-2026
  1. 4774
    Citations
  2. 2.8
    CiteScore
Seismic performance evaluation of existing bridges in Basra Governorate, Iraq, using AASHTO 2020 seismic provisions

Abdulameer Al‑Mubarak1, Rafi M. Qasim2 and Ayad Al-Yousuf3

Department of Environment and Pollution Engineering,Basra Engineering College, Southern Technical University, Basra,Iraq1
Department of Fuel and Energy Engineering,Basra Engineering College, Southern Technical University, Basra,Iraq2
Department of Civil Techniques,Basra Technological Technical Institute, Southern Technical University,Basra,Iraq3
Corresponding Author : Abdulameer Al‑Mubarak

Recieved : 27-September-2025; Revised : 13-June-2026; Accepted : 15-June-2026

Abstract

Bridges in Basra Governorate are among the most critical infrastructure components, serving as essential links between different regions of the province. Their structural importance becomes even more significant when seismic effects are considered. The 2020 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) code represents one of the latest developments in bridge structural and seismic design. It adopts a performance-based design approach to ensure that bridge behavior under seismic loading meets life-safety requirements and prevents structural collapse. In this context, the present study aims to compare the seismic performance of three existing bridges located at different sites within Basra Governorate. Although all three bridges are multi-span structures, they differ in their beam support systems. The bridges were modelled using ABAQUS, and nonlinear analyses were performed to evaluate their responses under seismic loading conditions. The results indicate that the seismic performance of the bridges varies depending on their structural configurations. Nevertheless, all three bridges satisfy the safety requirements and remain within the permissible seismic performance limits specified by the AASHTO 2020 seismic code. Among the bridges studied, Al-Tarbya Bridge (T. Br.) demonstrated the highest capacity to withstand the maximum expected seismic intensity in the governorate. This superior performance can be attributed to its greater structural rigidity, where the bridge curvature contributes additional stiffness and improves load distribution during seismic events.

Keywords

Seismic performance, Bridge structures, AASHTO 2020, Nonlinear analysis, ABAQUS modelling, Basra governorate.

Cite this article

Al‑Mubarak A, Qasim RM, Al-Yousuf A. Seismic performance evaluation of existing bridges in Basra Governorate, Iraq, using AASHTO 2020 seismic provisions. International Journal of Advanced Technology and Engineering Exploration. 2026;13(139):849-865. DOI : 10.19101/IJATEE.2025.121221324

References
[1]
Al-sheraydah NA, Al-dahan Z. Dental anomalies in permanent teeth and the associated etiological factors among fifteen years-old students in Basrah city\Iraq. Journal of Baghdad College of Dentistry. 2017; 29(1):148-52.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[2]
Markarian AS, Ali KI. Bridges as part of city symbols an analytical and descriptive study with case study in Basra, Iraq. Emirates Journal for Engineering Research. 2019; 24(2):1-14.
[Google Scholar]
[3]
Alghiffary R, Velantika GJ, Putri KME, Widowati ED, Akbari MF. Design of Semujur bridge with diagonal steel box arch bridge. International Journal of Engineering, Science and Information Technology. 2025; 5(3):208-19.
[Crossref]
[4]
Karakostas C, Quaranta G, Chatzi E, Zülfikar AC, Çetindemir O, De RG, et al. Seismic assessment of bridges through structural health monitoring: a state-of-the-art review. Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering. 2024; 22(3):1309-57.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[5]
Sultan AP. Simulation and style design of bridge stability supported on large diameter piles. Mathematical Modelling of Engineering Problems. 2021; 8(6): 961-6.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[6]
Huff T. LRFD bridge design: fundamentals and applications. CRC Press; 2022.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[7]
Queensland G. Manual design criteria for bridges and other structures. Transport and Main Roads. 2014.
[Google Scholar]
[8]
https://www.scribd.com/document/358083493/Design-Criteria-for-Bridges-and-Other-Structures. Accessed 20 May 2026.
[9]
https://studylib.net/doc/27718170/aashto.lrfd.2024-10th.edition. Accessed 20 May 2026.
[10]
https://uomustansiriyah.edu.iq/media/lectures/5/5_2022_04_08!02_55_10_PM.pdf. Accessed 20 May 2026.
[11]
Satria A, Shalihah AR, Nurhadi FF, Gurning RH, Purbaning SP. Structure analysis of warren truss bridge using 3D CAD software. Jurnal Inovasi Teknologi dan Rekayasa. 2025; 10(2):241-50.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[12]
Cheng S, Wang T, Cui X, Hai G, Zhang Y, Yu Y. Analysis of influence of cable injury on static performance of cable-stayed bridge. Buildings. 2025; 15(13):1-17.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[13]
Hraib F, Tabsh SW. Influence of girder flaring on load effect in girders of composite steel bridges. Applied Sciences. 2025; 15(9):1-29.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[14]
Shams H, Qiu Y, Kashif M, Ullah H, Abdrhman H, Fu J, et al. Reliability analysis of prestressed concrete bridges under prevailing truck traffic in Pakistan. Building Materials and Structures. 2025; 68(2):91-100.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[15]
Mohammed HH, Naser AF. Evaluating the dynamic and static structural resistance and sustainable damage inspection of skewed precast prestressed concrete slab-I girder bridge. In AIP conference proceedings 2025. AIP Publishing LLC.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[16]
Al-mubarak AQ. Optimal distribution of piles under a concrete bridge abutment subject to vertical and torsion loads. Magazine of Civil Engineering. 2025;18(3):1-11.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[17]
Tang H, Xu W, Yi J. Seismic performance of cable-stayed bridges under large earthquake ground motions considering the loss of stay cables. Case Studies in Construction Materials. 2024; 20:1-19.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[18]
Fan BH, Sun Q, Wang SG, Ma XL, Zou JQ. Lessons learned from a progressive collapse accident of a through tied-arch bridge: FE modeling and inverse analysis. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities. 2025; 39(5):04025045.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[19]
Yao C, Li D, Wei X. Vibration suppression of two adjacent cables using an interconnected tuned mass damper/nonlinear energy sink. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2024; 12(7):1-32.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[20]
Zhu X, Jiang Y, Weng G. Study of the dynamic reaction mechanism of the cable-stayed tube bridge under earthquake action. Buildings. 2024; 14(7):1-34.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[21]
Fauzan PY, Al JZ, Sundari DI, Agista GA. Seismic performance evaluation and vulnerability analysis of prestressed concrete bridge in Padang Pariaman Regency, Indonesia. International journal of GEOMATE: Geotechnique, Construction Materials and Environment. 2024; 27(123):133-40.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[22]
Bas S, Hunt J, Gencturk B, Jampole E, Sonmezer YB, Chancellor B, et al. Seismic performance and damage assessment of bridges during the 2023 Kahramanmaras, Türkiye earthquakes (M w= 7.8, M w= 7.6). Earthquake Spectra. 2024; 40(4):2339-63.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[23]
Chomchuen P, Boonyapinyo V. Seismic performance evaluation of RC bridges by IDA of single-run ESDOF and ISA. Science & Technology Asia. 2024; 29(1):133-40.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[24]
Caner A, Cinar M, Ates AD. Observed seismic performance of buildings and bridges during a major earthquake followed by one other major earthquake in the close vicinity of the first one. Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering. 2025; 23(3):1129-51.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[25]
Qiu W, Wang K, Guo W. Seismic performance of beam-type covered bridge considering the superstructure–substructure interaction and bearing mechanical property. Journal of Vibroengineering. 2024; 26(6):1422-46.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[26]
Al-TARBYA Bridge Drawings, Basra Governorate/Iraq 2014.
[27]
Mohammed Al-Qasim Bridge Drawings, Basra Governorate/Iraq 2023.
[28]
Mohammed Baqir al-Sadr Bridge Drawings, Basra Governorate/Iraq 2017.
[29]
Hasan AQ, Qasim RM. Study the behavior of pile group under torsional and horizontal load. In journal of physics: conference series 2021 (pp. 1-10). IOP Publishing.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[30]
Alver O, Eseller-bayat EE. Effect of soil damping on the soil–pile–structure interaction analyses in cohesionless soils. Applied Sciences. 2022; 12(18):1-16.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[31]
Hasan AQ, Younus YM. Used isolation system to reduce the response of offshore structure considering soil structure interaction. Civil and Environmental Engineering. 2023; 19(2):662-75.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[32]
Zidan AF, Ramadan OM. Three-dimensional analysis of pile groups subject to torsion. Geotechnical Research. 2020; 7(2):103-16.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar]
[33]
Ali AM, Essa MJ, Hassan AQ. Dynamic analysis of offshore piles embedded in elastoplastic soft clay. Proceedings of international structural engineering and construction. 2016 (pp.1-6). ISEC Press.
[Google Scholar]
[34]
Boyko I, Kryvenko O, Havrylyuk O. Numerical simulation of interaction bored pile and soil mass with taking into account the dilatancy of the soil. Bases and Foundations. 2023.
[Crossref]