ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Although modern computer calculation methods allow checking upper and lower boundary conditions of a structure – such as influence of different states of earth pressure on abutment walls - quickly and easily, most bridges are still planned with joints at abutments to ensure an easy planning and to be conform with German road authority regulations. This is inefficient for smaller bridges as joints at abutments and their maintenance are of significant costs looked upon from a life-cycle point of view. This paper describes the elegant solution for a small, 2 field pedestrian bridge (length 37,10 m) with integral abutments over a 4-lane highway that could serve as a model for highway bridges and replace the regular solutions - often heavy and clumsy – for such structures usually used in Germany. A simple structural solution with a soft sandwich panel behind the end walls and the earth and a stabilized earth-fill dam allows the deformation of the bridge deck for temperature loads. Calculations with different earth pressure distributions behind the walls proved the serviceability without joints for winter and summer conditions. The Y-shaped middle column adds to the architectural concept of a minimalized and tailor made concrete structure to make concrete structures more positively accepted in public.
