Seasonal Thermal Effects Over Three Years on the Shallow Abutment of an Integral Bridge in Glasgow (Trl 344)

An integral bridge, while less susceptible to long term damage from road de-icing salts, may face problems due to seasonal thermal movements of the deck which result in interactions between the bridge and the surrounding soil.

To obtain full advantage from the use of integral bridges and minimise risk of overstressing the abutments, it is important to obtain a better understanding of the soil structure interaction.

This report describes the monitoring of seasonal thermal expansion of an integral bridge abutment in Glasgow over three years, measuring both the cyclic movements of the abutments and the earth pressure developed in the granular backfill behind the abutment.