Evaluation of Seasonal and Yearly Behavior of an Integral Abutment Bridge
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 12, Issue 3
Abstract
This paper presents the field performance evaluation of an integral abutment bridge constructed in Massachusetts that was monitored for a period of three years. Emphasis is primarily made on observed seasonal and yearly behavior. Although the bridge abutments were constructed without any skew, differences have been observed in performance between the north and south abutments and are attributed to differences in construction conditions. Longitudinal displacement and rotation fully characterize the abutment deformation response. Fundamental parameters that control the response of the bridge (longitudinal restraint, pile moments) are evaluated through the use of simple mechanical models. The use of simple models allows estimation of bridge parameters for use in more involved finite element models. Data collected during the monitoring period indicate that current design procedures used for integral abutment bridges in Massachusetts are conservative.
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Acknowledgments
This research was sponsored by 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 accuracy of the data presented. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official view or policies of the Massachusetts Highway Department or the Federal Highway Administration.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 12 • Issue 3 • May 2007
Pages: 296 - 305
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 1, 2005
Accepted: Jun 9, 2006
Published online: May 1, 2007
Published in print: May 2007
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