Nonlinear Finite-Element Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Approach Slab
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 12, Issue 6
Abstract
A bridge approach slab serves as a structural slab between the bridge structure and the approach embankment. The primary causes of approach slab failures are undermining, settlement and cracking. Undermining and settlement of the slab can be treated by either mud jacking or by pumping grout material to fill the voids beneath the slab. Transverse and longitudinal cracking leads to distress of the slab and reduces its life expectancy. The objective of this technical note is to numerically study the extent and location of cracks by performing a nonlinear finite-element analysis of the slab. The factors affecting the cracks such as the thickness of the slab and the contact conditions with the soil underneath have been parametrically studied. This technical note brings out the issues and advantages related to the usage of finite-element analysis for approach slabs. The tension stiffening component, has been calibrated before being used for the approach slab model. A thicker approach slab could be a more viable solution as compared to the expensive soil treatment.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Acknowledgments
The writers would like to acknowledge Professor A. Nanni, Director of the University Transportation Center, Rolla, Mo., for partially funding this study and Dr. Bryan Hartnagel and Mr. Thomas Fennessey of Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) for useful discussions related to this study.
References
AASHTO. (2002). LRFD bridge design manual, Washington, D.C.
Al-Nasra, M., and Wang, L. R. L. (1994). “Parametric study of slab-on-grade problems due to initial warping and point loads.” ACI Struct. J., 91(1), 198–210.
Biggs, R., M., Furman, W. B., Gomez, J. P., Massarelli, P. J., and McKeel, W. T. (2000). “Finite element modeling and analysis of reinforced-concrete bridge decks.” Final Rep., Virginia Transportation Research Council, Va.
Cai, C. S., Shi, X. M., Voyiadjis, G. Z., and Zhang, Z. J. (2005). “Structural performance of bridge approach slabs under given embankment settlement.” J. Bridge Eng., 10(4), 482–489.
Darwin, D. (1993). “Reinforced concrete.” Proc., Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced-Concrete Structures II, ASCE, New York, 203–232.
Gilbert, R. I., and Warner, R. F. (1978). “Tension stiffening in reinforced concrete slab.” J. Struct. Div., 104(12), 1885–1900.
Hani, N., Talat, A.-A., and Nirali, S. (2002). “Finite element modeling of bridge approach slab and transition slab.” Final Rep. No. FHWA NJ 2002-007, N.J.
Hibbit, Karlsson and Sorenson, Inc. (HKS). (1998). ABAQUS standard user’s manual, Version 6.1, Pawtucket, R.I.
Kwak, H. G., and Filippou, F. C. (1997). “Nonlinear FE analysis of reinforced concrete structures under monotonic loads.” Comput. Struct., 65(4), 585–592.
McNeice, A. M., and Pawtucket, R. I. (1967). “Collapse of a concrete slab.” ABAQUS examples manual version 6.1.
Roy, S. (2005). “Nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete bridge deck/bridge approach slab using ABAQUS.” MS thesis, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Univ. of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 3, 2005
Accepted: Nov 13, 2006
Published online: Nov 1, 2007
Published in print: Nov 2007
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.