Details:

Creators:
Ng, Kam Weng ; Yasrobi, Seyed Yashar ; Edgar, Thomas V.
Ng, Kam Weng ; Yasrobi, Seyed Yashar ; Edgar, Thomas V. Less -
Corporate Creators:
University of Wyoming. Dept. of Civil and Architectural Engineering
Corporate Contributors:
United States. Federal Highway Administration
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Backfill Soils Bridge Approaches Bridge Construction Bridge Design Literature Reviews Recommendations Settlement (Structures) Slabs Surveys
Publication/ Report Number:
FHWA-WY-15/01F
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
Wyoming
Corporate Publisher:
Wyoming. Dept. of Transportation
Abstract:
Approach slabs serve as a transitional system between an approach road and a bridge. Settlement of bridge approach slabs and their

supporting backfill has been experienced by more than ten Departments of Transportation throughout the United States. According to

current Wyoming Department of Transportation inspection reports, bridge approach slab settlements occurred not only on existing

bridges but also on newly built bridges that were just opened to traffic. These settlements typically create voids ranging from 6-in to 12-

in between the base of the approach slab and the geotextile reinforced backfill. This research presents factors causing bridge approach

slab settlements and provides necessary design and construction recommendations. A comprehensive literature review pertaining to

approach slabs was performed to examine outcomes of research conducted by 12 states. The current specifications and standards on

bridge approach slabs of the corresponding states’ Departments of Transportation were also evaluated. A nationwide survey was

conducted to fill in the missing knowledge identified in the literature review. The results of the survey are categorized in three groups

based on the percentage of bridges experiencing approach slab settlements in that state. Results of the survey show that 46 percent of the

total 28 respondents are not satisfied with their current approach slab designs. The survey results revealed that the most common cause

of approach slab settlement is poor construction practices. The most important finding of the survey is that performing in-situ tests to

control backfill compaction reduces the amount of approach slab settlement. Using the lessons learned from the literature and the results

of the survey, potential amendments to current Wyoming Department of Transportation design and construction manuals are

recommended


Format:
PDF
Funding:
64737
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:26926732bf853f1eec2d6e06ec3456e5865367831dd36b038c67f2228306acf2
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/28953/dot_28953_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

• Data Management Plan

  pdf

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