NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF CONTROLLED LOW STRENGTH MATERIAL BRIDGE ABUTMENTS: STATIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper presents static analysis of bridge abutment constructed using sustainable material, a controlled low-strength material (CLSM), using boundary element (BE) method. The structure is constructed using full-height precast concrete panels that are attached to a CLSM backfill via steel anchors and can be employed as a replacement of traditional piling support systems. The Young’s moduli of CLSM are obtained from laboratory tests for two different binder mixtures. Two-dimensional planar strain is employed in the BE formulation of static analysis and comparison study of load-bearing systems using CLSM abutment and conventional piling support system with compacted soil. Emphasis is put on the settlement at the upper road base as well as the lateral pressures on the side wall induced by three wheel surcharges: concentrated, strip and uniform lane loads on the CLSM abutments with different binder mixtures. Convergence studies obtained from programs coded in MATLAB were first assured. Numerical results show that the settlement and lateral pressure of CLSM abutments are acceptable to assure the applicability of CLSM as a suitable sustainable material employed for bridge abutment design and construction.