END‐Bearing Piles in Jointless Bridges

Abstract

An algorithm based on a nonlinear finite element procedure previously developed by the writers is modified and used to study the effect of thermally induced lateral movement on the vertical loadcarrying capacity of piles in integral abutment bridges. The pile and soil are idealized using beam‐column elements with geometric and material nonlinearities and nonlinear springs, respectively. Two computer programs have been developed to solve the nonlinear soil‐pile interaction problems for both two‐ and three‐dimensional cases. Analytical examples are presented to illustrate the effect of lateral displacements on the ultimate load capacity of the pile. The examples include end‐bearing steel H‐piles bending about the weak, strong, and 45° axes. The effects of cyclic lateral displacements are also investigated. The results show that the vertical load capacity of piles is significantly affected by lateral displacement. It is concluded that the length limitations for integral abutment bridges currently being used by most state highway departments are conservative.