An Integral Bridge Resting on an Elastic Half-Space

The chapter delves into the intricate world of integral bridge design, focusing on a 60-meter structure resting on elastic soil. Three distinct numerical modeling methods are meticulously presented, each offering unique perspectives on the bridge's structural behavior and interaction with the surrounding soil. The first model, a complex three-dimensional representation, includes the soil layer beneath the bridge, providing a detailed analysis of soil-structure interaction. The second model simplifies the scenario by replacing the soil layer with spring constants, offering an engineering approach to bridge design. The third model, another complex three-dimensional representation, prevents any sliding motion between the bridge foundation and the ground, providing insights into the effects of friction and contact interactions. Each model is built using Abaqus FEA software, with material properties and loading conditions carefully considered to ensure accurate and reliable results. The chapter also explores the implications of thermal effects and variable loads on the bridge's performance, making it an essential read for those interested in the cutting-edge techniques of bridge engineering and geotechnical analysis.