Seismic Soil Structure Interaction for Integral Abutment Bridges: a Review

Abstract

In an integral abutment bridge (IAB), the superstructure and the abutment are constructed monolithically at their junction without the presence of any bearing or expansion joint. This leads to a significant reduction in the maintenance cost of the bridge. However, integral connection at deck-abutment junction causes a significant change in the bridge behavior under thermal loading and earthquake shaking as the superstructure (along with bridge deck and girders), abutment, foundation, wingwall, and approach slab may act like a single unit. Different countries and the respective Highway Agencies have adopted different guidelines for design and construction of IABs. Though many advancement in construction of IAB have been made, still there are many aspects which require additional attention. The aim of the present paper is to review the past studies on seismic behavior of IABs performed in the last three decades incorporating seismic soil-structure interaction. A few features are also highlighted which need to be addressed through further studies.