A review on the finite element modelling of integral abutment bridges

Abstract

Reports on the finite element modelling of Integral Abutment Bridges (IABs) adopted by different researchers in studying the behaviour of integral bridges are reviewed in this paper. IAB models published in twenty two journals are presented, the objectives of the Finite element models are explored and the results are discussed. Both two and three dimensional models with linear and non linear analysis were adopted by researchers. Generally, most researchers use plate and shell element for modelling slabs and abutments while beam element is used for modelling beams, piers, pier heads, piles and abutments. For modelling soil-substructure interaction such as soil-abutment and soil-pile interaction, spring element is mostly used to model the nonlinear soil behaviour. The major findings of most of the studies are that soil-structure interaction, temperature and time-dependent loading, geometry and curvature of IABs are among the factors affecting the behaviour of the IABs. The review also discovered that skewed and curved prestressed concrete girder for IABs under temperature and time-dependent loadings are not fully explored and warrant further research.