Estimation of Inelastic Longitudinal Abutment Stiffness of Bridges

Abstract

The longitudinal stiffness of the bridge abutments is a parameter extensively used for the dynamic analysis of bridges because it affects the longitudinal vibration of the bridge deck. In this paper, a simple method is presented for the evaluation of a force displacement diagram of bridge abutments. For the development of the method, it is assumed that the abutment can be represented as a uniform rigid plate and the soil deposits on the two sides of the abutment as Winkler foundation with elastic springs linearly varying with depth. For the evaluation of the yielding of the abutment springs, the Rankine Theory of Active Thrust and Passive Resistance is used. The application of the method is demonstrated with the evaluation of the force‐displacement diagram of the abutments of a bridge located in Riverside, California.