Contributions to the study of soil-structure interaction in bridge abutments

Resumo

Bridge abutments are structures of varied characteristics that enable the transition between bridges and
highways, with the function of supporting decks at the ends, in addition to retaining access embankments. A poor
assessment of the soil-structure interaction (SSI) in these structures might compromise the bridge’s in-service
performance and structural safety. However, this topic has not yet been properly consolidated in international
standards, and it is a common practice to design abutments through isolated and simplified models. This paper
aims to investigate aspects that are not considered in the usual analysis, such as the three-dimensionality of the
problem and a more realistic assessment of SSI. For that purpose, a parametric study is conducted through the
numerical computational modeling of a conventional stub type concrete abutment, with deep foundations, the
adjacent embankment and the foundation soil. Two- and three-dimensional finite element models are generated,
considering variations in geometry, constructive phasing of the abutment and different constitutive models for soil
representation: Winkler or continuum models. The comparative analysis of the results, in terms of stresses/strains
of the soil and structural elements, should provide a broader understanding of the theme and contribute to the
establishment of a modelling framework of SSI for bridge abutments.