Semester
Fall
Date of Graduation
2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Committee Chair
Samir N. Shoukry.
Abstract
Integral abutment bridges (IAB) have become a popular alternative to expansion joint bridges mainly due to their lower maintenance and repair costs. Although no specific guidelines exist for integral abutment bridge design, standards primarily used assume the volumetric changes of IAB under thermal loading occur free of constraint. This study examines the validity of this assumption and determines the effect of changing temperature on the state of stress in the superstructure of an IAB. The effect of changing thermal conditions on the Evansville Bridge in Preston County, West Virginia is investigated using an extensive bridge instrumentation system along with a detailed finite element analysis. The research shows that temperature loads do, in fact, induce stresses in the superstructure of an IAB. Although these stresses do not cause catastrophic failure of the structure, they will increase maintenance costs by creating additional cracking within the bridge deck and significantly increasing girder stresses.
Recommended Citation
McBride, Kevyn C., "Thermal stresses in the superstructure of integral abutment bridges" (2005). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1858.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1858