Finite element modelling and seismic behaviour of integral abutment bridges considering soil–structure interaction

Abstract

A comprehensive non-linear finite element (FE) model of integral abutment bridges (IABs) is presented to facilitate the analysis of such bridges using commercial software, especially under seismic loading. The presented model is capable of capturing non-linearity in both the structure and soil, in addition to considering far-field soil response. The model is simple enough to be used for practical purposes. On the other hand, many aspects of seismic behaviour of IABs are unclear, due to complicated soil–structure interaction. Using the presented model, a parametric study is performed to identify the effects of bridge length, abutment type and soil type on seismic behaviour of IABs. Non-linear direct integration FE analyses are performed on the IAB models. The results of the parametric analyses demonstrate the importance of non-linear modelling of soil and pile in capturing a realistic seismic response of IABs.

Keywords:

• Integral abutment bridge
• seismic behaviour
• soil–structure interaction
• finite element analysis
• non-linear analysis