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Design Considerations For Integral Abutment/ Jointless Bridges In The Usa, Ralph G. Oesterle, Habib Tabatabai

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Articles

This paper summarizes results of a major study on jointless bridges sponsored by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. This study included extensive laboratory and field experiments as well as detailed analytical studies. A set of design recommendations were provided. Jointless bridges have reduced maintenance, improved riding quality, lower impact loads, reduced snowplow damage, and structural continuity for live load and seismic resistance. However, the thermal movements of the bridge and restraint forces from the abutments and piers must be considered and accommodated. The general design philosophy is to build flexibility into the support structures to the extent feasible while providing …