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A bridge that bends in a strong earthquake and not only remains standing, but remains usable is making its debut in its first real-world application as part of a new exit bridge ramp on a busy downtown Seattle highway. A team of researchers tested new materials, memory retaining metal rods and flexible concrete composites, in a number of bridge model studies in a large-scale shake table lab.
The team says using these materials substantially reduces damage and allows the bridge to remain open even after a strong earthquake.Image credit: Photo courtesy Washington Department of Transportation
