Integral Bridges: A Construction Method to Minimize Maintenance Problems

In traditional bridges, expansion joints and supports are installed to facilitate relative displacements and prevent the occurrence of stresses induced by thermal variations. However, such devices can cause maintenance problems. On the other hand, integral bridges are structures without joints and supports where abutments, piers and deck are connected monolithically producing a complex structural and geotechnical interaction. Integral construction thus eliminates maintenance works related to the presence of connection devices. However many countries have imposed restrictive limits on the length of these structures, and this paper aims to identify the maximum length of integral bridges, in relation to the particular boundary conditions considered in the case study. The authors present a study on soil-structure interaction concerning both backfill and foundation soil, and carry out the design of some structural elements of a reinforced and prestressed concrete integral bridge, paying attention to guarantee the necessary flexibility to the structure.