1. We are WSP
  2. What we do
  3. Transport and Infrastructure
  4. Bridges and Civil Structures
  5. Bridge Seismic Design

Bridge Seismic Design

At WSP, our team of Future Ready experts use latest earthquake engineering findings and techniques, including performance-based design, sophisticated geotechnical analysis, and three-dimensional structural modelling, to predict the behavior and potential damage of bridges and civil structures during an earthquake.

ExpertiseInsightsProjectsServicesFAQJoin us

Our design goal is to ensure that bridges located in high seismic regions can withstand the large seismic forces with predicted structural damage that is consistent with the owner defined performance for post-earthquake emergency response and economic recovery.

Our team of bridge engineering experts comprises experienced engineers, seismologists, geologists, and technicians who have a deep understanding of seismic design principles and state-of-the-art technologies. Our team is well-versed in international seismic design codes and standards, including AASHTO, Eurocode, ASCE, Canadian standards and AS/NZS standards (Australia/NZ). We have extensive experience in working across earthquake-prone regions globally in new and retrofit design, risk assessment and post-earthquake emergency response including temporary and permanent repairs of earthquake damaged structures.

Our extensive global experience encompasses all aspects of seismic design and assessment of bridges including:

  • Seismic hazard assessment
  • Dynamic analysis
  • Response spectrum analysis
  • Ground response analysis
  • Soil-structure interactions
  • Low damage design
  • Bridge inspection and assessment
  • Post earthquake recovery
  • Seismic retrofitting
  • Tsunami design of bridges

What’s happening

Bridging the gap between risk and resilience

The prodigious storm that broke bridges, ruined roads, and levelled livelihoods in February 2023 was a watershed moment for Aotearoa New Zealand. A just-published paper from WSP’s Natalia Uran, work group manager for bridges and structures, and Ben Baty, service line leader for bridge asset management, looks at lessons that asset owners can take from Cyclone Gabrielle.

Read more
GL-MK-TI-Bridge-Substructure-Thmbnl

Reducing the Embodied Carbon of Bridge Substructures

A case study on bridge substructures finds strong embodied-carbon differences between alternative types of substructure, as well as a strong correlation between embodied-carbon savings and cost savings.

Read more
thn-DiBAM

Elevating Bridge Asset Management

DiBAM helps owners and managers of assets develop effective long-term plans and gather the right data for urgent response.

Read more

Disaster-resilient Infrastructure demands Smarter Design

With the severity and frequency of extreme weather events on the rise in the Asia-Pacific region, we need to think differently about infrastructure resilience. How can we embed resilience into planning, design, and repair?

Read more

Browse featured projects

Frequently asked questions

What is bridge seismic design and why is it critical?

Bridge seismic design focuses on ensuring that bridges can safely withstand earthquake forces while limiting damage and maintaining functionality. In seismic regions, effective seismic design is essential to protect public safety, support emergency response, and enable rapid economic recovery following an earthquake.

How does WSP approach seismic design for bridges?

WSP applies the latest earthquake engineering research and techniques, including performance-based seismic design, advanced geotechnical analysis, and three-dimensional structural modelling. This approach allows us to predict bridge behavior under seismic loading and design solutions aligned with owner-defined performance objectives.

What performance objectives does WSP consider in seismic bridge design?

Our design goal is to ensure that bridges experience controlled and predictable damage consistent with their intended post-earthquake role. Performance objectives may include immediate serviceability for emergency response routes, life-safety protection, or rapid repair and recovery, depending on the owner’s requirements.

What types of seismic analysis does WSP provide?

WSP delivers a full range of seismic analysis services, including seismic hazard assessment, dynamic and response spectrum analysis, ground response analysis, and evaluation of soil–structure interaction. These analyses support both new bridge design and assessment or retrofit of existing structures.

Does WSP provide seismic retrofit and post-earthquake services?

Yes. WSP has extensive experience in seismic retrofitting of existing bridges, post-earthquake inspection and assessment, and the design of temporary and permanent repairs. Our teams support owners through emergency response, recovery planning, and long-term resilience improvements.

With us, you can.

Join a team of talented people looking to have a positive impact, shape engaging places, and see the future clearly.

Explore career opportunities