Finite Element Analysis and Experiments on Adaptability of Bridge-Bump Treated with Wedged-Shaped Flexible Geocell Slab

Bridge-bump often occurred at transitional section between bridge and subgrade in the highway. In this paper, the gravity abutment was treated with Wedged-shaped Flexible Geocell Slab [WFGS] .The treatment effects of WFGS were analyzed by MSC-MARC, which was one of general nonlinear finite element analysis software. The vertical displacement [VD] changes of the top subgrade and Geocell layers, which had uneven foundation subsidence [FS], were simulated using finite element analysis [FEA]. Thus, the layout positions of test equipment were obtained. Then, large scale model experiment and simulated settling curves of post-construction were carried out to study the adaptability of WFGS. By observing deformations of embankment top and measuring vertical displacements of Geocell layer, especially differential settlement between embank and abutment, WFGS was shown effectively for bridge-bump treatment. With WFGS, the differential settlement was less than 1.5cm when the FS was less than 12cm. However, effects of Geocell were not good enough when FS was more than 15cm, the rigid approach slab should be used together in this situation.