Integral Abutment Bridge Behavior: Parametric Analysis of a Massachusetts Bridge
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 12, Issue 1
Abstract
Integral abutment bridges are often a preferred bridge type for moderate spans throughout the United States. However, design methods and construction details vary from state to state. Variations between states are noted in the methods employed to accommodate deformations in the piles. The significance of these differences was evaluated through a finite-element study. The effects of backfill properties and soil restraint on piles were evaluated with regard to bridge distortions and maximum moment realized in the piles. Results show that bridge expansion is predominantly affected by backfill conditions, whereas contraction is influenced by pile restraint conditions. Pile moments are minimized when denser backfill and lower pile restraint are provided. The influence of abutment soil-structure spring modeling assumptions is addressed. Models were calibrated to the reference bridge at Orange-Wendell, Mass, which has been instrumented and data collected for 4 years.
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Acknowledgments
The research reported was prepared in cooperation with the Executive Office of Transportation, Massachusetts Highway Department and the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, through the Massachusetts Transportation Research Program. The contents of this paper reflect the views of the writers, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official view or policies of the Massachusetts Highway Department or the Federal Highway Administration. Preliminary modeling and data collection was contributed by Jason Pisano, Benjamin Crellin, Jeffrey Hnatio, and David Butler.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 12 • Issue 1 • January 2007
Pages: 64 - 71
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Aug 16, 2005
Accepted: Dec 28, 2006
Published online: Jan 1, 2007
Published in print: Jan 2007
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