One of the most common discussed problems concerning bridges built without expansion joints is the accommodation of longitudinal elongation and contraction due to temperature variations.
Integral bridges can be defined as bridges without joints. They span from one abutment, over intermediate supports to the other abutment without any movement joint in the deck.
Integral abutment bridges are becoming very popular due to its good response under seismic loading, low initial costs, elimination of bearings, and less maintenance. However the main issue related to the analysis of this type of structures is dealing with soil-structure interaction of the abutment walls and the supporting piles. The interaction between the structure and the adjacent soil media is essential in analysis, and gives a better prediction of the structural behaviour compared to the analysis of the structure alone.
Integral abutments are continuous bridges, where the deck is rigidly connected to the abutments and approach slabs. This rigid connection allows integral bridges to act as a single unit in resisting thermal and brake loads. The need for joint less bridges evolved from the desire to eliminate the use of expansion joints and bearings.
One of the most common discussed problems concerning bridges built without expansion joints is the accommodation of longitudinal elongation and contraction due to temperature variations.
-Vinayagamoorthy.M
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