The I-40 Bridge is located in the New Madrid Seismic Zone one of the most active zones in the Central United States. This crossing is a vital transportation link on the Interstate System. The bridge crossing is comprised of 164 spans which include, for the main channel crossing, five steel box girder spans and two steel through tied arch truss spans and for the approach spans and ramps precast I and steel plate girders. The design strategies and details used for the various types of bridges will be presented.

The most recently developed technologies being used which includes:

• Fully serviceable performance following the maximum probable earthquake
  (2500 year return period).
• Time history analysis, including spatially varying ground motion, radiation damping and foundation rocking.
• Friction pendulum isolation bearings.
• Additional piles and strengthening of footings, columns, and webwalls.
  Construction utilizing cofferdams is required.
• Strengthening of selected main superstructure members.
• Replacement of some and inelastic performance of other secondary superstructure framing members.
• Construction retrofit details

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