| Summary: | The role of the shear key as a pivotal element in bridge systems, particularly concerning the seismic performance of bridge structures, is underscored in this review. The study highlights that the interaction between the girder and bearing may be weaken, or even disintegrated under vertical earthquake excitations. This compromised interaction could potentially amplify the shear key pounding implications and escalate the risk of girder falling. Recently, the behavior of shear keys under seismic excitation has garnered significant interest within the engineering fraternity. This review illuminates the distinct characteristics of relevant vertical seismic spectra that causing vertical changes in the bridge structure, while also methodically examining prevalent impact (pounding) models and methodologies. Following this, the study provides a comprehensive review of shear key design strategies implemented in earthquake-prone countries such as the United States, China, Japan, and New Zealand, encapsulating the key contributions of researchers in this specialized field. Importantly, it is emphasized that research into impact theory constitutes the cornerstone of this field. A viable impact theory enables authentic simulation and calculation of the impact response between the shear key and girder, thereby providing invaluable guidance for the design of shear keys. Lastly, concluding the review, prospective research trajectories and the evolving trends in the realm of shear keys are anticipated and explored. © 2023 Institution of Structural Engineers
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