Parametric and pushover analyses on integral abutment bridge

Integral abutment bridges (IABs) are jointless bridges where the girder or the deck is continuous and monolithically connected to the abutments. A usual and important problem in the design of IABs is how to deal with the soil-structure interaction behind the abutments and next to the foundation piles: this can be considered as a fundamental aspect to reach a thorough understanding of this type of structure, which requires iterative and nonlinear analysis. In this paper, a 2D simplified finite-element model of a real 400-metre-long IAB, built in the Province of Verona-Italy, is implemented and used to perform non-linear analyses on the bridge, the structural response of which is then examined in detail. A parametric study based on the variation of the soil properties behind the back-walls and around the piles is then performed. Furthermore, a temperature pushover analysis (non linear static analysis for positive and negative temperature variations) is carried out to assess the failure pattern of the bridge caused by a temperature change, considered as one of the key parameters in IAB design. Lastly, the effect of abutment stiffness is also discussed.     

Buckling behavior of steel girder in integral abutment bridges under thermal loadings in summer season during deck replacement

Integral abutment bridges (IABs) have been built and successfully served for several decades, especially in the U.S. and Europe, because of their many advantages, such as their structural efficiency, stability and low construction and maintenance costs. Recently, the deck slabs of IABs have reached the end of their service lives and bridge administrators have decided to replace the deck slabs to extend the bridge service life. Due to the restraints at both abutments, the steel girder IAB is subjected to high axial forces and the steel girders have laterally buckled during deck slab replacement. This study performed numerical simulations to identify the buckling modes that may occur during deck replacement and the results were compared to the recent accident which happened in Missouri, U.S. Key parameters such as the length of the girder, width and thickness of the flange and the imperfection level were selected and a parametric study was performed. Using the obtained critical buckling stress, an equation for predicting the critical buckling stress of the girder in IABs during deck removal was developed. The results provide a better and safer, long-lasting IAB design and maintenance regime.     

采用不同下部结构形式的整体式无缝桥受力特征

建立考虑桥台 土、桩-土相互作用的整体式无缝桥有限元分析模型,并选取下部结构形式、温度作用、台后填土性质以及桥梁跨径为研究参数,对比分析了采用不同下部结构形式的整体式无缝桥受力特征。结果表明:下部结构刚度越大,其对上部结构的约束作用越强,桥梁纵向整体性更明显,但对主梁梁端和桥台的受力越不利;当下部结构刚度较大时,温度对桥梁内力和变形的影响更明显;随着桥梁跨径的增大,整体温度作用的影响逐渐成为温度作用中的主要因素;当下部结构采用矮桥台与桩基础时,台后填土密实度对梁端和桥台弯矩以及主梁轴力的影响不明显;当采用墙式桥台时,随着台后填土密实度的增大,温度作用下主梁轴力会快速增大;随着桥梁跨径的增大,整体式无缝桥的内力不断增大,且当采用刚度较大的下部结构时增大的速率更快;若以桥台在正常使用极限状态下的混凝土裂缝宽度为控制目标,应对整体式无缝桥的最大桥长进行限制,且下部结构刚度越大,最大桥长的限制越严格。     

浆砌片石桥台综合加固技术

一些浆砌片石桥台在使用期间常出现台身开裂、砌体倾斜以及砌体局部凸鼓等病害,对桥梁的正常使用与交通安全构成严重威胁,急需进行维修加固.砌石桥台由于自身散粒结构的特殊性及病害表现的复杂性,采取传统加固方法难以达到理想效果.现以深汕高速公路西段砌石桥台维修加固的工程实践为基础,探讨一种通过对地基持力层压浆、对砌体小孔及台后填土注浆的综合加固新技术.实践证明,此处理方法能有效治理砌石桥台病害.     

A design method for seismically isolated bridges with abutment restraint

Seismic isolation is a commonly used technique for protecting new and existing bridges. It usually consists of introducing isolation bearings between the superstructure and the substructures in order to decouple their motion and reduce the force demand due to the earthquake action. This paper deals with partially restrained seismically isolated continuous bridges, which are a particular class of isolated bridges whose transverse motion is restrained at the abutments.In this study a method is proposed for the preliminary design of these systems, which can be applied to both new and existing bridges. The dynamic problem is described in a variational form in order to obtain a simplified solution based on a pre-fixed transverse deformed shape of the deck. The objective of the design procedure is to control the internal actions on the piers by means of an appropriate configuration of the isolation bearings. Simple formulas for estimating the forces transmitted to the abutments and the superstructure transverse curvature demand are also derived, which account for the contribution of higher modes of vibration.Validation studies are undertaken for different bridge configurations, in order to assess the ability of the simplified method to control the force demand at the piers.     

Seismic analysis incorporating detailed structure–abutment–foundation interaction for quasi-isolated highway bridges

The Illinois Department of Transportation has adopted an economical and pragmatic methodology for designing earthquake-resistant highway bridges in the Midwestern United States. These so-called quasi-isolated bridges employ low-cost non-seismically designed bearing components as sacrificial structural fuses. During seismic events, fusing actions of these components and subsequent sliding of superstructures on substructures are intended to achieve response characteristics similar to those of conventionally isolated bridges that employ specially designed isolators. This study explores seismic structure-abutment-foundation interaction for quasi-isolated bridges in Illinois, employing a detailed yet efficient non-linear finite-element model for seat-type bridge abutments. The abutment model incorporates many structural components and geotechnical mechanisms that are critical to seismic response of the structure-abutment-foundation (SAF) system. Through non-linear static analyses performed on a complete bridge model, the force-transfer mechanisms, component fusing performance, and potential failure modes of the SAF system were explored. Using earthquake ground motions, non-linear dynamic analyses were conducted to evaluate seismic characteristics of the quasi-isolated bridge, sequences of critical limit state occurrences, and effects of abutment attributes on bridge seismic performance. The influence of abutment model sophistication on simulated bridge response was also highlighted by direct comparison of simulation results obtained from different models.     

Lateral earth pressure behind an integral abutment

Integral abutment bridges have gained increasing attention in the past few decades. They provide a cost-effective solution to the high maintenance expenses associated with the joints and bearings found in conventional bridges. This paper describes the observed behaviour of granular soil backfill retained behind an integral abutment subjected to cyclic loading. Significant pressure build-up was observed in the soil behind the abutment in most locations. The pressure build-up is attributed to several mechanisms such as sand particle flow and densification due to cyclic loading, and the shearing of dense sand during bridge expansion. Therefore, the applicability of using a linear soil pressure distribution assumed by the classical theories in designing the integral abutment system is discussed. Furthermore, the vertical and lateral distribution of the soil pressure behind the abutment has also been analysed. Results from the data measured show that bridge skew resulted in bigger soil pressures at the obtuse side of the abutment compared to the acute. The conclusions of this paper highlight several new design aspects, which are usually overlooked by the common design methodologies of integral abutments, that more accurately predict the vertical and lateral variation in the soil pressure behind abutments.     

预应力框架技术在加固圬工桥台侧墙上的应用

本文针对浆砌片石桥台侧墙开裂及外鼓的病害特征,提出了一种钢筋混凝土预应力框架加固技术。该技术是通过在桥台两侧侧墙上现浇钢筋混凝土框架来提高侧墙整体性,并达到避免侧墙竖向裂缝的进一步扩展的目的。并通过桥台两侧张拉预应力来达到阻止侧墙继续向两侧外鼓的趋势。实践证明,该方法能有效治理砌石桥台常见病害,可为同类桥台的加固与维修设计及施工实践提供参考。     

连续梁桥减、隔震体系的优化设计

本文根据连续梁桥减、隔震体系设计的特点,建立了桥梁减、隔震体系优化设计公式,实现了应用结构最优化设计理论设计桥梁减、隔震支座动力控制参数,使得桥梁墩、台所受到的地震水平力最小的同时满足小震作用下桥梁结构保持弹性;强震作用下减、隔震支座发生弹塑性变形耗散地震能量的减、隔震设计思想.通过编制的桥梁减、隔震体系优化设计程序,对连续梁桥减、隔震体系优化设计进行了算例分析,得出了一些有用的结论.     

A new accelerated-replacement method and full-scale test of a new superstructure for existing OSPG railway bridges

Existing open-steel-plate-girder (OSPG) railway bridges in Korea are so old that they can no longer provide the desired ride quality when trains pass over them due to loss of integrity. In addition, existing bridges do not have ballast, thus impacts from passing trains are delivered directly to piers and abutments. The damage that accumulated is one of the main causes of cracks in pier concrete. To cure this problem, replacement of the existing bridges is required. However, since they are still in service, conventional construction methods cannot be used for their replacement. A new method is necessary to quickly replace the existing bridges in a way that does not disturb the existing train schedule. In this study, a new accelerated-replacement method is proposed using a newly developed crane-vehicle which possesses cranes able to lift a replacement bridge, and which is able to travel on existing train tracks. This study also addresses the design and manufacture of a new bridge deck appropriate for accelerated-replacement construction. Finite element analyses and experimental tests were conducted to estimate the performance of the new bridge deck. The analyses included a static load case and dynamic analysis at various train speeds. The experimental tests included static loading and modal tests to capture the fundamental natural frequency and damping ratio of the bridge deck, and a dynamic amplification test. The results of this study can be used for practical replacement of aged existing open-steel-plate-girder bridges and to improve the integrity and ride quality of railway bridges in Korea.     

Shape memory alloy bending bars as seismic restrainers for bridges in seismic areas

In general, shape memory alloy (SMA) cables do not resist in compression and, thus, their applications are limited. This study suggests a superelastic SMA bar in bending to be used to overcome the above problem. The objectives of this study are to analyze the characteristics of the bending behavior of an SMA bar and to prove its seismic applicability, especially to restrain openings in bridges. Single and double bending tests are conducted with varying loading speeds and maximum displacements. The loading and the unloading stiffness are estimated from the force-displacement curves, and the equivalent damping ratio of each test is assessed. The SMA bar shows the same stiffness hardening, during bending and under tension which appears to be due to stress-induced-martensite hardening. Increasing the loading speed does not influence the stiffness of the SMA bar with a single bend, but the stiffness of the double bending bar is about five times that of the single bending bar. This study also introduces the use of SMA bending bars as a seismic restrainer for bridges. The SMA bars are assessed as seismic restrainers for a three-span-simply-supported bridge in a zone of moderate seismic activity. The bars reduce the openings at the internal hinges and the pounding force on abutments. Thus, the SMA bending bars are assessed to prevent the unseating at internal hinges and cracks on abutments. This study shows the applicability of the SMA bending bars as a seismic restrainer.     

公路桥涵台背回填

利用目标函数理论进行了公路桥涵台背回填材料优选，介绍了桥涵台背回填材料的离心模型试验，详细介绍了几种不同桥涵台背施工方法，以保证桥涵台背的回填质量，提高行车的安全性和舒适性。     

Besonderheiten bei Entwurf und Bemessung integraler Betonbrücken

Design Details of Integral Bridges An increasing number of integral bridges without expansion joints and bridge bearings have recently been constructed. Cyclic thermal displacements at the end of the structures impose strain on backfill and the foundations of the abutments. The interaction among structure, backfill and foundation must be considered during analysis and design.     

龙凤溪区间隧道下穿外环高速公路有限元分析

龙凤溪区间隧道是重庆轨道六号线二期工程中的一段线路,该隧道下穿重庆外环高速公路和临近匝道,并与两个重力式桥台距离较近。为了确保区间隧道施工不影响高速公路的正常运营,本文用三维弹塑性有限元方法,对龙凤溪区间隧道的施工进行有限元仿真模拟,预测隧道施工对高速公路和桥台变形影响。计算结果表明,龙凤溪区间隧道施工仅引起1号匝道产生较大变形,需要加固,外环高速公路和临近桥台在施工过程中可以正常运营。这一结论为该工程的顺利实施提供了依据。     

Die Scherkondetalbrücke,die erste semi‐integrale Talbrücke der DB AG auf der Neubaustrecke Erfurt – Leipzig/Halle VDE 8.2

Auf der Neubaustrecke Erfurt – Leipzig/Halle werden zurzeit einige Talbrücken realisiert, die einen neuen, ganzheitlich orientierten Entwurfsansatz verfolgen. Bei diesen integralen bzw. semi‐integralen Bauwerken sind die Überbauten monolithisch mit den Pfeilern und teilweise mit den Widerlagern verbunden. Sie können deshalb schlanker und mit stetigen Übergängen zwischen den Bauteilen ausgeführt werden. Durch den weitgehenden Verzicht auf Lager und Fugen und durch die robuste Bauweise besitzen integrale Bauwerke eine wesentlich längere Lebenserwartung als herkömmliche Talbrücken. Am Beispiel der Scherkondetalbrücke werden in diesem Beitrag die Unterschiede zwischen den konventionellen und den semi‐integralen Tragwerken erläutert sowie die Voraussetzungen und die Vorteile der Anwendung von integralen Bauwerken für die DB AG herausgearbeitet. Bridge over Scherkonde Valley – the First Large Semi‐Integral Bridge on High‐Speed Railway Route Erfurt – Leipzig/Halle Currently some large valley bridges are under construction on high‐speed railway route Erfurt‐Leipzig/Halle. These bridges follow a new holistic design philosophy. The superstructure of those integral or semi‐integral bridges is rigidly connected to the abutments and the columns. Therefore they are more slender than conventional bridges, and the bridges are very robust and durable because of the omitting of bearings and dilatation joints. The bridge over the Scherkonde valley is taken as an example for explaining the differences between conventional and semi‐integral bridges in this paper. This example shows the advantages and the requirements of integral buildings for high‐speed railway bridges.     

Assessment of SSI on the longitudinal seismic response short span bridges

Current practice usually neglects the effects of soil-structure interaction (SSI) in the seismic analysis and design of bridges. This work attempts to assess the significance of SSI on the seismic response of short span bridges. The focus is placed on pier behaviour, since piers together with the abutments are the most critical elements in securing the integrity of bridge superstructures during earthquakes.

The study is based on a simple representation of a soil-bridge pier system, yet one able to capture the effects of the most significant physical parameters. It has been found that SSI greatly affects the dynamic behaviour of bridge piers leading to more flexible systems, increased damping and larger total displacements. Besides a thorough investigation of the relative significance of various physical parameters of the system response, an easy-to-use approach that can be incorporated for a preliminary design of bridges concurrent with the AASHTO specifications is presented. The study concludes that safer and more economical bridge designs can be obtained by properly accounting for SSI.     

Entwurf und Ausführungsplanung der Stöbnitztalbrücke

Auf der Neubaustrecke Erfurt – Leipzig/Halle werden zurzeit einige Talbrücken realisiert, die einen neuen, ganzheitlich orientierten Entwurfsansatz verfolgen. Bei diesen integralen bzw. semi‐integralen Bauwerken sind die Überbauten monolithisch mit den Pfeilern und teilweise mit den Widerlagern verbunden. Sie können deshalb schlanker und mit stetigen Übergängen zwischen den Bauteilen ausgeführt werden. Durch den weitgehenden Verzicht auf Lager und Fugen und durch die robuste Bauweise besitzen integrale Bauwerke eine wesentlich längere Lebenserwartung als herkömmliche Talbrücken. Die Scherkondetalbrücke und die Gänsebachtalbrücke wurden bereits in vorherigen Ausgaben beschrieben. In diesem Beitrag wird über den Bau der Stöbnitztalbrücke berichtet, die als Sondervorschlag der ausführenden Baufirma realisiert wird. The Bridge over Stoebnitz Valley – a Bridge without Bearings on High‐Speed Railway Route Erfurt – Leipzig/Halle Currently some large valley bridges are under construction on high‐speed railway route Erfurt‐Leipzig/Halle. These bridges follow a new holistic design philosophy. The superstructures of those integral or semi‐integral bridges are rigidly connected to the abutments and the columns. Therefore, they are more slender than conventional bridges and the bridges are very robust and durable because of the omitting of bearings and dilatation joints. The bridges over Scherkonde valley and over Gaensebach valley were already described in previous issues. In this paper the construction of the bridge crossing Stoebnitz valley is reported. This bridge is being built as an alternate design of the contractor.     

Stability of existing bridges improved by structural integration and nailing

To examine whether and how the seismic stability of existing bridges can be substantially improved by integrating the girder, the abutments and the backfill, a series of shaking table tests were performed in 1 g. The tested small bridge models are (1) a conventional-type comprising a girder, supported by a pair of gravity-type abutments (without pile foundation) via bearings (fixed and movable), and unreinforced backfill, (2) the girder and the abutments of the above are integrated (without using bearings), (3) the backfill of the above is reinforced with two layers of large-diameter nails connected to the abutment top and the toe or the heel of the abutment footing and (4) the bottom nails of the above are replaced with longer ones connected to the toe of the abutment footing. Their dynamic behavior was analyzed as a damped single-degree-of-freedom system. The dynamic stability of the bridge was found to increase with an increase in (i) the dynamic strength against the response acceleration, (ii) the initial stiffness, (iii) the dynamic ductility (i.e., a smaller decreasing rate of stiffness during dynamic loading) and (iv) the damping ratio. When factors (ii) and (iii) are high enough, the natural frequency of a bridge can be kept much higher than the input frequency, and thus, the response acceleration can be kept low. All these factors can be improved by integrating the girder, the abutments and the backfill together with part of the supporting ground. In a series of static model tests, lateral cyclic displacements, caused by the seasonal thermal deformation of the girders with prototypes, were applied to the top of a small abutment model. The active failure in the backfill and the detrimental effects of large passive pressure, both developing due to the dual ratchet mechanism, can be effectively restrained by reinforcing the backfill and supporting the ground with nails connected to the top and the bottom of the abutments.     

竖转施工刚构拱桥转动铰接触应力有限元分析

转动铰是连接刚构拱桥拱座与拱肋的临时施工构造措施,在放张式竖转合拢过程中,转动铰是全桥转体施工成功与否的关键。通过对八字型刚构拱桥竖转施工过程的接触有限元模拟,研究了转动铰的局部应力分布,分析了转动铰的结构力学性能。实体工程分析表明:转动铰结构整体处于较低的应力状态,局部存在应力集中现象,可通过加强局部构造措施,保证转动铰整体力学性能满足竖转施工的安全性要求。