Effects of approach slabs on behavior of integral abutment bridges

The integral abutment bridges (IABs) concept has received considerable interest among bridge engineers owing to their enormous benefits due to elimination of expensive joints and reduced installation and maintenance costs. However, a standard design method for IABs does not exist. Several factors must still be investigated and analysed to gain a better understanding of the behavior of IABs. As for IABs, approach slabs not only provide vehicles with a smoother transition from pavement to bridge but also move the end expansion joint. Because approach slabs being often rigidly connected with abutment and girders, they will be loaded and move as a integer. This paper takes Shangban Bridge in Fujian province of China - the longest IAB in China as engineering background and develops two different space finite element models without and with approach slabs. Effects of approach slabs on the behavior, deformation and expansion or contraction of girders, the behavior of abutment pile foundation and the dynamical characteristics of bridge under temperature change were analysed. The results from the study should aid in the design and practice of IABs.