Thermal Behavior of IDOT Integral Abutment Bridges and Proposed Design Modifications

Olson, Scott M.; Holloway, Kurt P.; Buenker, Jason M.; Long, James H.; LaFave, James M.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/45760 Copy

Description

Title

Thermal Behavior of IDOT Integral Abutment Bridges and Proposed Design Modifications

Author(s)

• Olson, Scott M.
• Holloway, Kurt P.
• Buenker, Jason M.
• Long, James H.
• LaFave, James M.

Issue Date

2013-05

Keyword(s)

integral abutment bridges, jointless bridges, design length, design skew, thermal bridge design, pile foundations

Abstract

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has increasingly constructed integral abutment bridges (IABs) over the past few decades, similar to those in many other states. Because the length and skew limitations currently employed by IDOT have not necessarily been based on rigorous engineering analyses, an extensive 3- D parametric study has been performed, complemented by installation of field monitoring equipment on two recently constructed bridges, to potentially expand the use of IABs in Illinois. Some notable findings from this study include: (1) IAB configuration with extreme skew (> 60°) can perform well with proper detailing; (2) H-pile webs oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bridge, regardless of skew, substantially reduces weak-axis bending; (3) compacted backfill reduces pile stresses; (4) live loads affect thermally induced pile stresses; (5) longer intermediate spans tend to increase pile stresses; and (6) time-dependent behaviors, such as concrete shrinkage, may significantly influence maximum pile stresses. Based on these findings, a more rigorously developed set of recommendations for maximum IAB lengths and skews in Illinois are proposed.

Series/Report Name or Number

FHWA-ICT-12-022

ISSN

0197-9191

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/45760

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Illinois Department of Transportation R27-55

Copyright and License Information

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

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