A Systems Approach for Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Bridges and Adjacent Roadways

Abstract

Previous research projects funded by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and other agencies have revealed that many problems faced by bridges, such as expansion joints closing, are related to how the interfaces between a bridge and the adjacent roadway are designed, constructed, and maintained. Design, construction, repair, and maintenance guidelines to alleviate some of the problems related to the interactions between bridges and adjacent roadways are developed. The recommendations are based on published literature, adopted regional practices, field observations, field monitoring, and computer simulations. Pressure relief joints for excessive pavement pressure were installed and monitored at three bridges. The efficacy of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) as a possible solution for bridge expansion joint headers was also studied. To better understand the behavior of tall bridge approach embankments constructed on soft soils, computer simulations were performed using the finite element software PLAXIS 2D. To ensure satisfactory bridge performance, it is necessary to put pressure relief joints in rigid pavements leading up to bridges. When bridge embankments are built on soft foundation soils, and especially for taller embankments, the potential for lateral deformation of the embankment should be considered. A water barrier should be incorporated in the abutment backfill design to keep infiltrated water from short circuiting the backfill drainage system. UHPC is a viable alternative for joint headers and has excellent durability. Additional recommendations for conventional, semi-integral, and integral bridges are also presented.