FOUNDATION SETTLEMENTS AT LONDON BRIDGE

The history of bridge settlements at the London Bridge site is examined, and the calculated and recorded settlements of the newest structure on the site are discussed. Settlements during completion of Rennie's bridge (1924) were probably due tot the softer nature of clay on the downstream side which gave rise to a progressively greater differential settlement. By the 1960's settlement was occurring at a steady 3 mm per annum. The evolution of design foundations for the new bridge, the calculation of immediate and ultimate settlements, measurement during construction and the foundation settlements are outlined. Measurable settlement has been confined to the river piers, there being virtually no movement at the abutments. If heave had not occurred, the ultimate settlement of the north and south piers is likely to have been approximately 110 and 150 mm compared to the calculated range of 100 to 150 mm for the "friction" and "no friction" conditions.

• Authors:
  • Simpson, A G
• Publication Date: 1976-10

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 17-19
• Serial:
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue Number: 7

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge foundations; Bridge piers; Ground settlement
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00159988
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 20 1977 12:00AM