EXPERIMENTAL AND ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF PILES AND ABUTMENTS OF INTEGRAL BRIDGES

This research investigated, through experimental and analytical studies, the complex interactions that take place between the structural components of an integral bridge and the adjoining soil. The ability of piles and abutments to withstand thermally induced cyclic loads was investigated by conducting large-scale cyclic load tests. Three pile types and three integral abutments with hinges were tested in the laboratory. Experiments simulated 75 years of bridge life. Numerical analyses were conducted to analyze the interactions among the abutment, the approach fill, the foundation soil, and the foundation piles. The results indicated that H-piles are most suitable for supporting integral abutments. Concrete piles and pipe piles were too stiff in response to repeated lateral loads, resulting in tension cracks at the connection with the abutment. Further, a hinge in the integral abutment effectively reduces pile stresses by absorbing some of the rotational movement.

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• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/19539
• Corporate Authors:

  Virginia Transportation Research Council

  530 Edgemont Road
  Charlottesville, VA  United States  22903

  Virginia Department of Transportation

  Office of Public Affairs, 1221 East Broad Street
  Richmond, VA  United States  23219

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Arsoy, S
  • Barker, R M
  • Duncan, J M
• Publication Date: 2002-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 59 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge abutments; Bridge approaches; Bridge design; Fills; Foundation soils; Hinges; Laboratory tests; Load tests; Repeated loads; Soil structure interaction; Stresses; Support piles
• Uncontrolled Terms: H piles; Integral bridges
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00924062
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/VTRC 02-CR6,, Final Contract Report
• Contract Numbers: 99-2114-05
• Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: May 2 2002 12:00AM