Abstract:
Meta-modeling theory is aimed at constructing a set of analysis models which are consistent with continuum
mechanics or a solid element model. This paper presents a consistent mass spring model (CMSM) of a large scale
bridge structure, which is constructed according to the meta-modeling theory to make efficient seismic response
analysis. The CMSM shares the same dynamic characteristics as the solid element model and can be used to study
fundamental seismic responses for a complicated large scale bridge structure that consists of piers and decks. In the
numerical experiment, time history analysis is made for six different bridge structures. Full comparison is made for a
CMSM and a solid element model of these six bridge structures, and it is shown that the CMSM is able to estimate
the dynamic responses such as displacement and base shear for a certain class of ground motions.
