Download or read book Evaluation of Bridge Approach Slabs, Performance and Design written by Ronaldo Luna and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The design changes in the 1990s to bridge approaches resulted in approach slabs of about 8m in length supported at one end on the bridge abutment and at the other by a sleeper beam resting on the embankment. These slabs have not performed adequately due primarily to excessive deformation of the foundation and fill soils under the slab and sleeper beam. Survey questionnaires were administered for resident engineers in MoDOT and neighboring states to assess overall performance. Two bridge sites were selected for more detailed study of the deformation mechanisms. Analyses involving modeling using a finite element method program were conducted using soil properties obtained from drilling, sampling and laboratory testing at the study sites. Conclusions and recommendations are in the following categories: initiating programmatic instrumentation and monitoring plans for approach embankments; enhanced drilling, sampling and analysis at locations of future embankments; geosynthetic reinforcement of the embankment; staged construction; separating grading and paving contract; abutment and drainage details; and improved compaction specifications.