T0680 Validation of integral bridge abutment design methods - phase 3

This work is looking to provide evidence to improve our understanding of behaviour of integral bridges and validate against numerical modelling and the current BS PD 6694-1 (Recommendations for the design of structures subject to traffic loading to BS EN 1997-1:2004+A1:2013) referenced in CS459 predictions to enable the development of an improved calculation approach for integral bridges more broadly.

This will be achieved by capturing and analysing data over a continuous period of 5 years from the time of construction to support investigation of the soil structure interaction and overall bridge performance. Data will then be interpreted to support analysis of the DMRB.

The strategic objectives of the project are:

• to safely improve the design of construction while reducing capital and carbon costs by more efficient use of materials in future integral bridge construction;
• to provide accurate and reliable measurements to understand the total life cycle for these structures;
• to extend the span length where these type of structures can be sensibly adopted;
• to improve acceptance of this type of structures to further reduce the need for bridge bearings which require periodic disruptive replacement