Integral Abutment Bridges under Thermal Loading: Field Monitoring and Analysis

LaFave, James M.; Fahnestock, Larry A.; Brambila, Gabriela; Riddle, Joseph K.; Jarrett, Matthew W.; Svatora, Jeffrey S.; Wright, Beth A.; An, Huayu

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/97897 Copy

Description

Title

Integral Abutment Bridges under Thermal Loading: Field Monitoring and Analysis

Author(s)

• LaFave, James M.
• Fahnestock, Larry A.
• Brambila, Gabriela
• Riddle, Joseph K.
• Jarrett, Matthew W.
• Svatora, Jeffrey S.
• Wright, Beth A.
• An, Huayu

Issue Date

2017-08

Keyword(s)

• Integral Abutment Bridge
• Field Monitoring
• Skewed Bridges
• Thermal Loading
• Pile Strain
• Girder Stress
• Global Movement
• Girder Fixity

Abstract

Integral abutment bridges (IABs) have gained popularity throughout the United States due to their low construction and maintenance costs. Previous research on IABs has been heavily focused on substructure performance, leaving a need for better understanding of IAB superstructure behavior and interdependent effects. This report presents findings of a field monitoring program for two Illinois IABs (which supplements findings from a parametric study portion of the overall project that are summarized in a previous volume). The field monitoring program included collecting data about (i) global bridge movements; (ii) pile, deck, girder, and approach-slab strains; and (iii) rotations at different abutment interfaces. Field results have been compared to finite-element models of each bridge in order to provide further insight into IAB behavior. Field monitoring results corroborated that IAB longitudinal expansion and contraction is somewhat less than theoretical free expansion and contraction, and is influenced by bridge skew as well. Significant girder stresses were observed, particularly at the girder bottom flange, which should be considered in design. Pile strain values indicate there is likely some reserve pile-deformation capacity typically available.

Publisher

Illinois Center for Transportation/Illinois Department of Transportation

Series/Report Name or Number

FHWA-ICT-17-017

ISSN

0197-9191

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/97897

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

IDOT-R27-115

Copyright and License Information

No restrictions. This document is available through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161.

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