An Investigation of Sources of Asymmetric Thermal Expansion Behavior in Semi-Integral Bridges

The typically poor long-term performance of deck expansion joints and the high cost of maintenance of these bridge components have led to an increased utilization of jointless bridge systems such as integral and semi-integral bridges. However, the elimination of expansion joints leads to some adverse secondary effects due to the cyclic interaction of the bridge with the abutments. This soil-structure interaction can cause gradual settlement of the backfill, backfill earth pressure increase, and lateral loading of the foundations. In addition to these issues, it has been observed that integral and semi-integral bridges do not necessarily experience the symmetrical thermal expansion and contraction that is typically assumed in design, even if the structure appears symmetrical in design. As a result, jointless bridges may expand more toward one abutment than the other in response to daily and seasonal changes in temperature. In this paper, some of the potential causes of the asymmetrical expansion of integral and semi-integral bridges are identified and discussed through analysis of some of the past field monitoring data as well as the available data published in literature. The identified causes include minor differences in foundation soil stiffness, depth of the foundation, environmental forces, and more.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784485354.010
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780784485354
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Mofarraj, Behdad
  • Zornberg, Jorge G
• Conference:
  • Geo-Congress 2024
  • Location: Vancouver British Columbia, Canada
  • Date: 2024-2-25 to 2024-2-28
• Publication Date: 2024

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Pagination: pp 95-103
• Monograph Title: Geo-Congress 2024: Geotechnical Systems

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Maintenance; Performance; Thermal expansion
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01919285
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780784485354
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: May 22 2024 9:10AM