Bridge Approach Slabs

Andreas Paraschos, Amde M. Amde and Lhadj Moumena

African Journal of Engineering Research
Published: November 4 2016
Volume 4, Issue 4
Pages 71-82

Abstract

Approach slabs are reinforced concrete slabs used to provide a smooth transition between the bridge deck and the adjacent paved roadway. Their function is to eliminate or minimize the effects of any differential settlement between the bridge abutment and the approach roadway fill. A two-dimensional nonlinear finite element parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects of several parameters on the behavior of bridge approach slabs. The parameters used have been identified from both a literature review and a survey of state transportation departments. The parameters are the length and thickness of the approach slab; type of connection between the approach slab and the abutment; and height and density of the embankment. The paper presents the results of the parametric study that relate the effects of these parameters on the stresses and settlements developed in the approach slabs. It also provides recommendations for minimum length and thickness of bridge approach slabs based on same results.

Keywords: Bridge abutments, bridge deck, concrete slabs, differential settlements, embankments, finite element method, structural design.

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