DOI

10.5703/1288284316390

Abstract

This report presents a numerical investigation of the behavior of steel strip-reinforced mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) direct bridge abutments under static loading. Finite element simulations were performed using an advanced two-surface bounding plasticity model based on critical state soil mechanics. Results of the simulations were found to be in good agreement with published laboratory and field measurements, including horizontal facing displacements and tensile forces in the reinforcement. A parametric study was then conducted to investigate the behavior of a full-scale direct MSE bridge abutment. The parameters considered were the horizontal distance of the footing behind the wall facing, backfill compaction, reinforcement length and spacing, and magnitude of bridge load. Results indicate that the aforesaid parameters have a significant influence on the horizontal facing displacements, bridge footing settlements, and axial strains in the reinforcements. A survey questionnaire on the current state-of-practice of direct and mixed MSE abutments was prepared and distributed to all the Departments of Transportation (DOTs) in the United States. Results obtained from the survey shed light on the percentage of use of direct and mixed MSE abutments by various DOTs, abutment height, type and dimensions of the facing element, type of reinforcement, proportioning of footing and pile in direct and mixed MSE abutments, respectively, and common problems experienced by DOTs with respect to construction and performance of MSE abutments in the field.

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2017/06

Keywords

finite element analysis, direct MSE abutment, steel strip reinforcement, Loukidis-Salgado constitutive model, DOT survey

SPR Number

3319

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, Indiana

Date of this Version

2017

Additional Files
SPR-3319 Technical Summary.pdf (728 kB)
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