Superstructure Behavior of a Stub-Type Integral Abutment Bridge

Abstract

Records show that research leading to the successful introduction of integral-type structures such as continuous beams and frames actually began in the 1930s. Simple stub-type abutments have been found to perform well and are recommended for widespread use. The purpose of this analysis was to consider the behavior of the superstructure and substructure/backfill soil when they are subjected to thermally induced lateral movement and vertically imposed load at deck level. With the Oasys Safe finite-element analysis programs, finite-element models were developed to represent a typical stub-type integral abutment bridge configuration and backfill/foundation soil profile. It was found that the behavior of the superstructure of an integral bridge was predominantly influenced by the loading magnitude, irrespective of backfill soil properties. The results suggest that when designing the superstructure, the design requirements to resist the imposed loading may be sufficient to accommodate any effects attributable to the thermal load.