CHARACTERIZATION OF ABUTMENT-DECK INTERACTION USING 3D FEM AND FIELD VIBRATION MEASUREMENTS FOR AN EXISTING HIGHWAY BRIDGE IN NORTH MISSISSIPPI

This paper discusses response of an existing interstate highway bridge in north Mississippi being evaluated for seismic vulnerability. The interface between the concrete deck of the bridge and the paved asphalt roadway on the abutment is examined. As part of the seismic evaluation, field vibration tests were performed to gain response data under ambient operating conditions. Four accelerometers were placed at key response points including pile cap beams on the abutments and column cap beams on the superstructure bents. Response data were visualized in real time and a modal model was created using commercial modal analysis software. In conjunction with the field tests, a detailed 3-D finite element model of the bridge superstructure and embankment system was created, including continuum elements to model the soil around the piles at the abutments and around the column footings at the intermediate bents. The modal response of the bridge was captured for a case involving rotational motion of the deck showing deformations of the deck superstructure relative to the abutments. Such relative deformations are not usually considered in conventional analysis of bridge response. Comparisons between FE and modal models show excellent agreement.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Full conference proceedings available on CD-ROM.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Center for Asphalt Technology

  Auburn University, 277 Technology Parkway
  Auburn, AL  United States  36830
• Authors:
  • LeBlanc, B
  • Mullen, C L
• Conference:
  • Second International Symposium on Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Pavements and Technological Control. Segundo Simposio Sobre Manutencao e Rehabilitacao de Pavimentos e Controle Technologico
  • Location: Auburn, Alabama
  • Date: 2001-7-29 to 2001-8-1
• Publication Date: 2001

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 13p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge abutments; Bridge decks; Bridge superstructures; Earthquake resistant design; Finite element method; Highway bridges; Seismicity; Structural analysis; Structural supports; Support piles; Vibration
• Geographic Terms: Mississippi
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00973967
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 01-061
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 19 2004 12:00AM