Synopsis
Seismic design is often seen as a very specialist area in the UK, but a basic understanding of seismic design by structural engineers is very important in order to design a cost-effective structure where there is a seismic hazard. This paper aims to provide a simple explanation of some seismic design and analysis techniques for bridges adopted in Japan, which is located in one of the most seismically active zones in the world. The paper focuses particularly on the bearing and articulation systems of bridges because this is where there is a significant difference in the standard form of construction between non-seismic and seismic areas.