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An Investigation into Expansion Joint Movement for Integral Abutment Concrete Bridges
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2023-12-01
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Edition:Final Report
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Abstract:Expansion joints on bridge structures allow for essential thermal movements of structural components but often at the cost of regular maintenance and periodic replacement to counter damage the joint may experience throughout its lifecycle. This project was conducted to study the potential for eliminating or removing expansion joints for one of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s most common design types for new bridges: integral abutment, concrete bulb-T girder bridges. Eight bridges were selected for study. Joint movements over the course of a year were observed using scratch gauges and potentiometers. The measured joint movements were compared to the theoretical thermal movement calculated using industry standard design equations presented in AASHTO. AASHTO has two methods to estimate thermal movement, Procedure A and Procedure B. Procedure B was found to produce more accurate estimates of bridge movement, yet almost always overpredicted movement. The difference between the observed and theoretical movement for the single-span structures analyzed in this study was found to range from 0.347 to 0.051 inches, while the difference for multi-span structures was found to range from 0.830 to 0.439 inches. Additionally, comparisons between local weather station data and temperature contour maps presented in AASHTO Procedure B show high correlation. Based on the findings of this study, AASHTO Procedure B should be used to determine the theoretical thermal movement of a joint as CDOT recommends. Additionally, further investigation of longer, multi-span integral abutment bridges is needed to determine if a reduction coefficient for predicted movement may be appropriate.
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[PDF-2.93 MB]
