Numerical Analysis of the Behavior of an IPM Bridge According to Super-Structure and Sub-Structure Properties

Mincheol Park,Moon S Nam

doi:10.3390/su10030833

Abstract

A bridge with an integrated and pile-bent abutment with a mechanically stabilized earth-wall (IPM) was developed by separating earth pressure from the abutment to overcome the problems typically faced by integral abutment bridges. Also, the IPM bridge removes expansion joints and bearing by integrating the super-structure and the abutment and does not need many piles because it separates the earth pressure from backfills. Therefore, it is superior in cost, durability, and maintainability to traditional bridges and is sustainable due to using less material. A numerical analysis was conducted to ascertain the behavior of the IPM bridge according to its super-structural and sub-structural characteristics. Based on the analysis results, the behaviors of the IPM bridge are as follows: The bending moments ( M y ) of the pre-stressed concrete (PSC) girder and the steel-plate girder of the bridge were influenced by the presence of the time-dependent loads. The contraction behavior in the PSC girder is largely due to the time-dependent loads, whereas the expansion behavior in the steel-plate girder is large due to its greater thermal expansion coefficient and temperature range compared with those of the PSC girder. In general, the suggested bridge length limit for PSC girders in both the integral abutment bridge and the IPM bridge is larger than that in a steel bridge. This needs to be reviewed again with consideration of the long-term and seasonal behaviors.

Highlights

A typical bridge supports vertical loads and lateral displacements on the super-structure using bearing and expansion joints
(1) As a result of the review of the individual load effect according to the super-structure types, the (1) iAnds iavridesuualltloofatdhsetrheavtieexwerotfedthtehienmdiovsitdsuiaglnliofiacdanetffeefcftecatcscoorndtihnegMtoythbeensdupinegr-mstorumcetunrteotfytpheesP, tShCe ginirddievridwuearleloraedspsetchtaivt eelxyerTtLed+,tTheL−m, oSsHt,siagnndifCicRan, twehffiechctsisoinntthheeMsaymbeenodrdinegr amsotmhaetnrteopfotrhteedPbSCy girder were respectively temperature load (TL)+, TL−, SH, and CR, which is in the same order as that reported by
(1) As a result of the review of the individual load effect according to the super-structure types, the individual loads that exerted the most significant effects on the My bending moment of the pre-stressed concrete (PSC) girder were respectively TL+, TL−, SH, and CR, which is in the same order as that reported by Park and Nam [2]

Summary

Introduction

A typical bridge supports vertical loads and lateral displacements on the super-structure using bearing and expansion joints. Mechanical devices in these joints are subject to damage caused by the thermal expansion and contraction of the bridge structure, and abutment backfill settlement. In the IAB, instead of the general reverse T-shaped abutment (T-abutment), the stub abutment is mainly employed because it exhibits integrated behavior through the use of a rigid link with a super-structure and a pile foundation [1]. As the super-structure and the sub-structure of the IAB always exhibit rigid-link integration, the super-structural behavior is closely related to the sub-structure of the bridge, including the pile foundation and the pressure.

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion