The bump at the end of the bridge: an investigation

Abstract

A number of recently constructed bridge approach slabs using an articulation at mid span and the wide flange terminal anchorage system have experienced settlement at their expansion joints. This problem is more commonly referred to as the bump at the end of the bridge. This study investigated reasons for the bumps and recommended ways to improve the current situation. To find out possible causes of the bridge approach slab problem, literature review, questionnaire survey, and a visual inspection for 18 Houston sites were conducted. Based on the results, two bridge sites in Houston, Texas, were selected for detailed investigation. An extensive series of laboratory and field tests were performed at each site. The main causes of bump at two study sites were compression of embankment soil and natural soil, and poor compaction of embankment soil. The finite-element computer program ABAQUS was used to evaluate behavior of the current approach slab design and of a possibly more effective design. The results show that the transition zone is about 12 m with 80 percent of the maximum settlement