Experimental and Analytical Investigations of Piles and Abutments of Integral Bridges

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TR Number
Date
2002-03-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research
Abstract

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.

Description
Keywords
Integral bridge, Cyclic loading, Thermal induction
Citation
Sami Arsoy, Richard M. Barker, and J. Michael Duncan. "Experimental and Analytical Investigations of Piles and Abutments of Integral Bridges," Virginia Transportation Research Council 530 Edgemont Road Charlottesville, VA 22903, Report No. FHWA/NTRC 02-CR6, March 2002.