Published: November 2015 | Category: Publication Category , Research programme , Research & reports | Audiences: General, Roading contractors
The use of integral and semi-integral bridges in New Zealand is fairly common practice due to advantages in ease of construction and savings in maintenance and whole-of-life costs. The aim of this report is to provide a summary of current best practice relating to the design and construction of integral and semi-integral bridges in New Zealand.
The issues considered throughout the report included the definition and performance of integral bridges, non-seismic effects such as concrete creep and shrinkage and thermal effects, seismic effects, geotechnical issues, and considerations pertaining to design and detailing.
The aims of the report were achieved through a combination of review of existing literature, consideration of case studies of integral and semi-integral bridges, and consultation with bridge designers experienced in the design of integral bridge construction.
The overall performance of integral bridges in New Zealand was found to be very good, while several issues relating to seismic effects, soil-structure interaction, concrete creep and shrinkage, and detailing were investigated.
Keywords: bridges, construction, creep and shrinkage, design, earth pressures, integral seismic, soil-structure interaction, thermal effects.
