• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.43-61
• /
• 2017

The inverted T-type abutments are generally used in highway bridges constructed in Korea. This type of abutment is used because it has greater stability, with more pile foundations embedded in the bedrock, while simultaneously providing support for lateral earth pressure and vertical loads of superstructures. However, the cross section of inverted T-type abutments is large compared with the piers, which makes them more expensive. In addition, a differential settlement between the abutment and embankment, as well as the expansion joints, causes driving discomfort. This study evaluated the driving comfort of several types of abutments to improve driving comfort on the abutment. To achieve this objective, a traditional T-type abutment and three types of candidate abutments, namely, mechanically stabilized earth wall (MSEW) abutment supported by a shallow foundation (called "true MSEW abutment"), MSEW abutment supported by piles (called "mixed MSEW abutment"), and pile bent and integral abutment with MSEW (called "MIP abutment"), were selected to consider their design and economic feasibility. Finite element analysis was performed using the design section of the candidate abutments. Subsequently, the settlements of each candidate abutment, approach slabs, and paved surfaces of the bridges were reviewed. Finally, the driving comfort on each candidate abutment was evaluated using a vehicle dynamic simulation. The true MSEW abutment demonstrated the most excellent driving comfort. However, this abutment can cause problems with respect to serviceability and maintenance due to excessive settlements. After our overall review, we determined that the mixed MSEW and the MIP abutments are the most appropriate abutment types to improve driving comfort by taking the highway conditions in Korea into consideration.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.14 no.6
• /
• pp.601-614
• /
• 2018

This study presents structural and parametric analyses on the behavior of an integrated and pile-bent abutment with mechanically stabilized earth wall (IPM) bridge. The IPM bridge is an integral abutment bridge (IAB) with partially protruded piles, which excludes earth pressure by means of a mechanically stabilized earth wall developed by the authors. The results of the analysis indicate that the IPM bridge, as any other IAB, is influenced to a large extent by temperature and time-dependent loads. When these loads are applied, the stress on a pile in the IPM bridge decreases as the displacement of the pile top increases, because the piles protrude from the ground surface and no soil reaction is generated on the protruded pile. Because the length of an IAB is restricted by the forces acting on its piles, the IPM bridge is an effective alternative to extend its length.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.534-544
• /
• 2019

Because the pile-bent of IPM Bridge is projected from the soil surface, excessive displacement of abutment can be induced. According to design guide of IPM Bridge, the shape of the bridges used in this study was applied to the maximum applicable 120.0m span, 30-degree for skew angle, and 10.0m for the protruded pile-bent height. The maximum displacement by the maximum span application condition of the IPM Bridge was calculated using this bridge model, and the safety of a horizontal displacement of the IPM Bridge was investigated based on the allowable displacement presented by Bozozuk. The maximum horizontal displacement of the IPM Bridge was calculated to be larger in the winter shrinkage condition than in the summer expansion condition, the horizontal displacements were more affected by the length of a bridge than by the skew angle. And the vertical displacement was not affected by the skew angle and length. As the span increases, the horizontal displacement increases significantly, the horizontal displacement at 120.0m span length was found to exceed the allowable displacement proposed by Bozozuk. However, the moment generated in the pile-bent did not exceed the plastic moment.