A three-dimensional (3D) modeling approach to investigate nonlinear seismic response of a curved and skewed bridge system is\r\nproposed.The approach is applied to a three-span curved and skewed steel girder bridge in the United States. The superstructure is\r\nmodeled using 3D frame elements for the girders, truss elements for the cross-frames, and equivalent frame elements to represent\r\nthe deck. Spherical bearings are modeled with zero-length elements coupled with hysteretic material models. Nonlinear seismic\r\nresponses of the bearings subjected to actual ground motions are examined in various directions. Findings indicate that the bearings\r\nexperience moderate damage for most loading scenarios based on FEMA seismic performance criteria. Further, the bearing\r\nresponses are different for the loading scenarios because of seismic effects caused by interactions between excitation direction\r\nand radius of curvature.
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