INTEGRAL BRIDGES

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CONTENTS:

1.INTRODUCTION
2.WHY GO FOR INTEGRAL BRIDGES?
3.MERITS OF INTEGRAL BRIDGES
4.WHY BRIDGE WERE NOT BUILT INTEGRAL SO FAR ?
5.BASIC MYTHS IN INTEGRAL BRIDGES
6.DEFFERENCE
6.CONCLUSION
7.REFERENCES


INTRODUCTION
Integral bridges are single span or multi span bridges with continuous
deck and movement system composed primarily of abutments.
In these types of bridges the road surface are continuous from one
approach embankment to the other and abutments are cast integral
with the deck.
Bridges constructed without any expansion joint and without any
bearings are called integral bridges.
In its simplest form, an integral bridge may be viewed as a portal
frame structure, where the road surfaces are continuous from one
approach embankment to the other.
Integral bridge are designed to provide resistance to thermal
movements, braking forces, seismic forces and wind
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As per the definition given in the British Advice Note the integral
bridge is defined as a bridge with integral abutments.

The integral abutment is defined as the abutment which is connected
to the bridge deck without any joint for expansion or contraction of
the deck.


IB concept does is to shift the thermal movement location to the end
of approach slab.


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Cont
This shift of movement location results in shifting the associated
problems of dealing with expansion joint from a structural
engineer to the geotechnical engineer.

Fundamentally, these problems are due to a complex soil-
structure interaction mechanism involving relative movement
between the bridge and adjacent retained soil.

This movement is due to natural, seasonal thermal variations.
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Contd
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General arrangement of columns

WHY GO FOR INTEGRAL BRIDGES?


Common problems associated with expansion joints and bearings are
summarized as follows-

Inspection and maintenance is required frequently, thus hampering
the bridge durability.
Leaking of expansion joints and seals permit the surface run-off
water from roadway to attack the girder ends and bearings and
supporting RC substructures
Impact loadings from heavy commercial vehicles which can
damage the hardware due to relentless pounding of heavy vehicles.
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Malfunctioning of bearings can lead to unanticipated structural damage.

Joints and bearings are expensive, difficult to install, maintain and
repair and costly to replace.

The design life of expansion joints and bearings are much lesser than the
bridge itself, thereby necessitating design for regular maintenance and
costly replacement.

It is clearly understood that problem lies with bearings and
joints, so if we can remove them , then we can tackle with the frequent
maintenance problems. The available answer to these problems is Integral
Bridges.
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Contd..
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Simple design and detailing
The design and detailing are much simplified with fewer
construction joints in integral bridges.

Low Construction Cost
Because in integral bridges there is no expansion joints and
bearings.



MERITS OF INTEGRAL BRIDGES
Integral bridges are easier to construct, less expensive as
compared to a conventional bridge with joints, eliminates maintenance
costs.
. Some of the more important attributes are summarized below-
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Improved Riding Quality
Smooth jointless construction techniques improves vehicular
riding quality and decrease vehicular impact stress levels.

Simplified widening and replacement
Integral bridges with straight capped piled structures are
convenient to widen and easy to replace. There are no expansion
joints to match and no difficult temperature settings to make.
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Contd.
Why bridges were not built integral so far?
1. Most of the engineers took the path of least resistance and provided
series of SS spans or at best chose continuous spans.
2. It requires that the bridge deck, piers, abutments, embankments and
the foundation soil to be considered as a single system.
3. Analysis is therefore more computer intensive rather than manual
method.

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SOME BASIC MYTHS IN INTEGRAL BRIDGES
In addition to the complexity of the design, the structural
engineers are fed with several myths that seemed to prevail against the
adoption of integral bridges. Some of these myths that prevent more use
of integral bridges are discussed below with rebuttals

Integral bridges can only be adopted for short span lengths

Increased earth load can cause abutment cracking

Skews greater than 30 cannot be accommodated

Integral bridges limit future widening

Erosion of the approach embankment caused by water intrusion can be
a problem
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EXAMPLES OF INTEGRAL BRIDGES IN INDIA
Integral flyover with RC solid slab , Dankuni Palsit
flyover, West Bengal
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Integral RC flyover, New Delhi, A view from
soffit

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Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure corridor
project, Integral flyover

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Abutment Elevation Bridge Deck View
DIFFERENCE
CONVENTIONAL(WITH JOINT)
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INTEGRAL BRIDGES
Sort span

Absence of expansion joint
& bearings

Limit for future widening.

Maintenance cost is low.

Durability is more





Sort span & long span

Expansion joint & bearings are
present

Can be made future widening.

Maintenance cost is high.

Durability is less due to damaging
of bearings.


CONCLUSION



The elimination of expansion joints, which can be a costly
structural maintenance problem with conventional bridges, is the
key benefit of an integral bridge.

Continuity and elimination of joints, besides providing a more
maintenance free and durable structure, can lead the way to more
innovative and aesthetically pleasing solutions in bridge design.

It is clearly understood that problem lies with bearings and
joints, so if we can remove them , then we can tackle with the frequent
maintenance problems. The available answer to these problems is Integral
Bridges.
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REFERENCES


Civil engineering & Construction Review, June (2003), pp. 27-32.

IRC 6: 2000, The Indian Road Congress, New Delhi.

IS: 2911 (Part 4), Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.

www.wikipedia.com

www.scribd.com

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