Computer Modeling and Parametric Study of Thermal Effects in Integral Abutment Bridge

Abstract

Structural behavior of concrete integral abutment bridge subjected to temperature rise was investigated through a numerical modeling and parametric study. Long-term, field monitoring through the summer was performed on Industrial Park Bridge located in Heilongjiang province, China from June 13, 2010 until June 28, 2010. The collected data was used to validate the accuracy of a 3D-finite element model of the bridge which took into account soil-structure interaction. Based on the calibrated finite element model a parametric study considered two parameters, bridge length and abutment height, was carried out to investigate the effects of this parameters on structural behavior of integral abutment bridge subject to temperature rise. It was determined that Thermal load in the superstructure of the integral bridge develop significant magnitudes of bending and axial forces in the superstructure. The largest magnitude of thermally induced moment always occurs near the abutment, and axial force is constant across the length of each span. For bridge thermal expansion, longer bridges and taller abutments cause larger thermally induced superstructure axial force due to development of higher backfill pressure. Generally span length has a higher influence for thermally induced superstructure forces in terms of axial force and bending moment than the abutment height.