Physical modeling of the long-term behavior of integral abutment bridge backfill reinforced with tire-rubber

Mehdi Zadehmohamad,Ramin Riahipour,Visar Farhangi,Jafar Bolouri Bazaz

doi:10.1186/s40703-021-00163-2

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the benefits of adding tire rubber as an inclusion to backfill behind integral bridge abutments. In this respect, four physical model tests that enable cyclic loading of the backfill-abutment are conducted and evaluated. Each test consisted of 120 load cycles, and both the horizontal force applied to the top of the abutment wall and the pressures along the wall-backfill interface is measured. The primary variable in this study is the tire rubber content in the backfill soil behind the abutment. Results show adding tire rubber to the backfill would be beneficial for both pressure and settlement behind the abutment. According to results, adding tire rubber to soil decreases the equivalent peak lateral soil coefficient (Keq-peak) up to 55% and earth pressure coefficient ({K}^{*}) at upper parts of the abutment up to 59%. Moreover, the settlements of the soil behind the wall are decreased up to 60%.

Highlights

There are many efforts and researches to attenuate pavement and bridge problems every year [12, 16, 36, 3, 8, 17, 19]
The integral bridge concept eliminates the problem with bearings and related issues; there would be problems in backfill soil
This study adds to a growing body of literature on solutions for problems associated with integral bridge backfills

Summary

Introduction

There are many efforts and researches to attenuate pavement and bridge problems every year [12, 16, 36, 3, 8, 17, 19]. Foundation pile, abutments, and backfill soil are all subject to cyclic loading. Understanding their interactions is essential for the effective design and performance of integral bridges [2, 9, 35, 63]. In this respect, engineers face several challenges when designing integral bridge abutments (IABs) because rational and validated procedures are not yet available to evaluate the magnitude and distribution of the pressures imposed by the abutments’ displacement, motivated by the thermal deformation of the deck.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion