Precast Concrete Integral Abutments
Standard abutment construction has the potential to be a long process, so prefabrication provides an excellent opportunity to reduce the overall construction time of a bridge project. In this application, the structure of the abutment is made integral with the elements of the superstructure.
The advantages of the integral abutment include a reduction in bridge deck joints (a common area of deterioration in bridges) and the forces of the soil are transferred into the bridge superstructure, reducing the need for spread footings or multiple rows of piles.
These types of abutments can be separated into two categories: fully-integral abutments and semi-integral abutments. Fully-integral abutments are more common and involve the connection between the abutment and the superstructure being a full moment connection.
The connection between the semi-integral abutment structure and the bridge superstructure are pinned connections that allow for rotation at the ends of the superstructure.
The connection between the abutment stem and steel piles can be accomplished using anchored steel plates that can be field welded or embedding the piles in large pockets to later be grouted or sealed with concrete. To connect to concrete piles, drilling and grouting for reinforcing bars. Similar to the steel piles, pockets and grouting can be used to connect the stems with concrete piles. To connect the adjacent stems, post-tensioning or small closure pours can be used.
Prefabricating an integral abutment can save a noticeable amount of time in a bridge construction. Using these integral abutments, deck joints can be eliminated preventing problem areas for deterioration. This system can also reduce the need for a spread footing or multiple rows of piles.
Where is the substructure and/or foundation on a bridge?
Substructure
The substructure consists of the portion of the bridge that supports the entire structure on the given surrounding soil. There are varying designs due to the different soil conditions for each bridge site and the different weights of the structures for each project.
Foundation
The role of the foundation of a bridge structure is to create a smooth transition allowing the internal forces to flow between the bridge and the ground. Foundations are the ‘bridges’ or links between the bridge and the ground.
There are really only two types of bridge foundations – although each has many variations – ‘spread’ foundations and ‘piled’ foundations. Both types must transfer forces into the soil beneath the bridge.
Spread Foundation
Piles Foundation
Photo Credit: Bridges
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