Numerical and experimental analysis of integral abutment bridge

Integral bridges are frame like bridges, where the simply supported connection between the bridge deck and the approach slab is eliminated. This structural arrangement results in transferring the cyclic movement of the bridge superstructure to all substructure components. Consequently, the soil-structure interaction in these kinds of bridges is a key factor in determining their performance.; The primary objectives of this research study are: (1) To determine the pile-soil interaction process, and the effectiveness of sand in mitigating the bending stresses that piles are subjected to, (2) To study the lateral earth pressure in the retained soil behind the integral abutment, and the role of bridge skew in affecting this pressure, and (3) To investigate the buckling capacity of single piles and piles bent embedded in sand. In order to accomplish the above tasks, the Scotch Road integral abutment bridge substructure was fully instrumented. Additionally, non-linear finite element models (ABAQUS/Standard and ABAQUS/Cae) were developed for both the superstructure and substructure of the bridge with emphasis on soil-structure interactions. Moreover, the finite difference analysis (LPILE 4.0) provided fairly accurate predictions of the behavior of piles embedded in sand under combined vertical and lateral loading. Field data were used to verify the results obtained from the finite element and finite difference analyses.; Although, integral abutment bridges became a common practice in many states, there is no consensus on the design methodology of these bridges. This research was developed in an effort to address crucial points that can be used to enhance the current design practices.