Failure Analysis of a Bridge Embankment with Cracked Approach Slabs and Leaking Sand
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 21, Issue 5
Abstract
This paper describes a successful failure analysis to determine the causes of loss of backfill sand from a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall, and cracks on the concrete approach slabs on top of it. The Texas Department of Transportation was concerned that the cracks on the approach slabs may be related to the excessive loss of backfill from behind the MSE walls, and that the embankment structure may be unsafe due to potential voids under the concrete slab. Several cubic meters of sugar sand had washed out of the wall and deposited adjacent to the paneled walls. A series of destructive and nondestructive tests were carried out to determine the causes of the problems. It was found that the cracking of the approach slab and the loss of backfill were unrelated. Suggestions for resolving both problems were made based on this study.
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Acknowledgments
Mr. Tom Scullion, Mr. Lee Gustavus, Mr. Marcus Galvan, and Beaumont District personnel (John Pitre, Susan Chu, Paul Jungen, Johnny Perez, and Acil Diffey) provided support throughout the testing. Special thanks to the Maintenance Section personnel who supplied traffic control and coring.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 21 • Issue 5 • October 2007
Pages: 375 - 381
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Mar 16, 2006
Accepted: Oct 20, 2006
Published online: Oct 1, 2007
Published in print: Oct 2007
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