Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges: Chapter 10

Abutment

A substructure unit at the ends of a bridge that retains approach embankment and supports the bridge.

True

A wingwall need not be considered in the evaluation of the abutment/substructure if there is an expansion joint or construction joint between the wingwall and the abutment. (T/F)

Stub Abutment

A(n) ___ type reduces substructure cost, but increases superstructure cost.

Open Abutment

A(n) ____ type can be used when site conditions are some type of rock material.

Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) Abutment

A(n) _____ type consists of a base structure of common, but good quality cinder blocks, fill, and geosynthetic reinforcement.

Full Height Abutment

A(n) _____ type reduces initial superstructure cost and incereases substructure cost.

Reinforced Earth Wall Abutment

A(n) ________ type consists of precast concrete panels, soil reinforcing strips, and backfill.

False

Because piers are substructure units, they are not subject to collision damage. (T/F)

Integral Abutment

In a(n) _____ type, the superstructure and substructure act as one without an expansion joint.

True

Rotational movement is caused by differential settlement. (T/F)

False

Rotational movement will not affect the vertical alignment of the pier. (T/F)

True

Scour is one of the causes of vertical movement. (T/F)

Dolphins and Fenders

Structures that are used to "cushion" ship impacts.

Piles

This abutment element carries structure loads through the soil to rock or dissipate the loads into surrounding soils.

Tie Backs

This abutment element is used when lateral earth forces connot be resisted by the footing alone.

Check Wall

This abutment element protects the end bearings from the elements and the buildup of dirt and debris.

Bridge Seat

This abutment element provides a bearing area which supports the bridge superstructure.

Backwall

This abutment element retains the soil and keeps it from sliding onto the bridge seat.

Abutment Stem

This abutment element retains the soil behind the abutment and supports the bridge seat.

Pre-cast Panels

This abutment element retains the soil behing an MSE Support abutment.

Footing`

This abutment element transmits the weight of the abutment, the soil loads, and the bridge reactions to the support soil or rock.

Failure of Material

This deficiency can be caused by cracking in conrete, decay in timber, buckling in steel, and splitting in stone masonry.

Drainage Systems

This deficiency is caused by clogged or blocked weep holes or subsurface drainage pipes.

Vertical Movement

This deficiency is caused by soil bearing failure, consolidation of soil, scour, and deterioration of the abutment foundation material.

Rotational Movement

This deficiency is caused by unsymmetrical settlements or lateral movements due to hoirzontal earth pressure.

Wingwalls

This element's function is to retain the approach embanket and not to provide end support for the bridge.

Pier/Bent

This element's primary function is to support the spans of a multi-span superstructure at intermediate intervals.

Pile or Bent Cap

This pier and ben component provides support for the bearings and the superstructure.

Column

This pier and ben component transmit loads from the pier cap to the footing.

Pier Wall or Stem

This pier and ben component transmits loads from the pier cap to the footing.

Integral Pier

This pier type incorporates the pier cap into the depth of the superstructure and are used in limiti clearnace situations.

Cantilever or Hammerhead Pier

This pier type is commonly used to support multi-beam superstructures.

Solid Shaft Pier

This pier type is used when a large mass is advantageous or when limited number of load points are required for the superstructure.

Column Pier with Web Wall

This pier type is used when column height is excessive to add stability.

Column Pier

This pier type is used when limited clearance is available under the structure or for narrow superstructure widths.

Hollow Pier

This pier type is usually tall shaft type pier built for bridges crossing deep vallegy because it greatly reduces the dead load of the structure and increases ductility.

Column or Open Bent

This type is a common bent type for highway grade crossings.

Pile Bent

This type typcially consists of piles that are driven in place and support a continuous pile cap.

Ful Height or Closed, Stub, Semi-Stub, Shelf, Open or Spill-through, Integral

Types of abutments

True

Welds on steel piers/bents should be checked for cracking. (T/F)