Bridge Approach Bumping Disease and the Application of New Prestressed Approach Slabs

Abstract

With the increase in the service life of domestic infrastructure, the bridge approach bump formation has become increasingly common. This paper discusses the causes of bridge approach bump formation, which is primarily attributed to the differential settlement between rigid abutment foundations and flexible embankment foundations. This paper also provides a review of factors contributing to the formation of bumps, such as the cracking of approach slabs and soil erosion behind abutments. A prestressed UHPC (ultrahigh performance concrete) approach slab is proposed, and its structural performance is evaluated through finite element analysis, verifying the load-bearing capacity of this new type of approach slab. The novel prestressed approach slab exhibits excellent crack resistance, effectively reducing soil erosion behind abutments and mitigating uneven settlement of foundations near bridge abutments, thereby alleviating the problem of bridge approach bump formation. This study on prestressed approach slabs provides a theoretical basis for slab design and offers a valuable reference for mitigating the formation of bridge approach bumps.

Keywords

bridge approach bump / foundation settlement / approach slab / UHPC / prestressed approach slab / grillage model

Conflict of interest

All the authors disclosed no relevant relationships.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Zhang, upon reasonable request.

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