Integral bridge design: derivation of the spring constant for modelling the soil-structure interaction

Integral bridges present a challenge for load distribution calculations because the bridge deck, piers, abutments, embankments and soil must all be considered as a single compliant system. The thermal deck movements are accommodated by soil structure interaction between the supporting piles and the surrounding strata. Deck loading is also affected by the soil which acts as both load and support system to the piles upon which the structures are founded. Specifying a series of spring supports behind the abutments and adjacent to the foundation piles to approximate soil behaviour is a commonly used modelling method. The main difficulty with the Winkler spring type model is the derivation of an appropriate spring constant. A common practice is to use the subgrade stiffness for the soil type. In this paper, factors that influence the magnitude of spring stiffness are investigated, such as the overall range of movement expected, the soil type or select fill parameters (modulus and Poisson ratio), and the area of the structure resisting the movement. Relationships between the spring constant and each of these parameters are then determined and are used to derive the spring constant appropriate for the ground conditions and loading combinations. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see IRRD abstract no. E218160.

• Record URL:
  http://arrbknowledge.com
• Authors:
  • TERZAGHI
  • SISK, G
• Publication Date: 2009-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 9P
• Serial:
  • AUSTROADS BRIDGE CONFERENCE, 7TH, 2009, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
  • Publisher: CONVENTION MANAGEMENT

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Conferences; Deformation; Design; Foundations; Loads; Soil mechanics; Structures
• ITRD Terms: 3455: Bridge; 8525: Conference; 5595: Deformation; 9011: Design (overall design); 3355: Engineering structure; 3377: Foundation; 5567: Load; 5755: Soil mechanics
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01143981
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: TRL
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Nov 16 2009 12:18PM