The effect of braking forces on displacement of integral bridges

Jakub Jarosz

Abstract

The paper presents  the results of numerical analyses of the lateral displacement for reinforced concrete and single span integral bridge with foundations constructed on piles. The lateral displacement due to braking forces was analysed. Then, the results were compared to analogical displacement caused by the temperature increase. The following changeable bridge parameters were assumed: span length, deck height, piles length and piles diameter. The results of the lateral displacements were compared on concerning the fixing of the pile top. In the first case, the piles were fixed by pile cap, and in the second one, the piles were fixed directly to the deck. Moreover, two options of soil were considered. The first option in which soil was composed of sand and sandy silt, and the second one in which soil was composed of sand and clay. In the analysed cases, the displacement caused by braking forces accounts for 10% - 20% of the total lateral displacement of the ,construction. The research presented in this paper shows that the main determinants of the lateral displacement of integral bridges are piles diameters and the type of surrounding ground. Pile length is of small importance.