ABSTRACT
Integral bridge construction may be defined as the practice of constructing bridges without deck joints. When using such construction to eliminate intermediate joints in multiple span bridges, it is accepted that the continuity achieved by such construction will subject superstructures to secondary stresses. These stresses are due to the response of continuous superstructures to thermal and moisture changes, and gradients, settlement of substructures, post-tensioning, etc. When such construction is used to eliminate deck joints at abutments, it is likewise accepted that such structures will, in addition, be subjected to secondary stresses due to restraint provided by abutment foundations and backfill against the cyclic movement of bridge superstructures. The justification for such construction is based on the recognition that for small and medium span bridges of moderate lengths significantly more damage and distress has been caused by the use of deck joints than by the secondary stresses they were intended to prevent. In addition, elimination of costly joints and bearings, and the details and procedures necessary to permit their use, generally result in more economical bridges. Consequently, more bridge engineers are now willing to relinquish some of their control of secondary stresses,
primarily to achieve simpler and less expensive bridges with greater overall integrity and durability.
