Integral bridges are a bridge typology where the superstructure and substructure (abutments/piles) are integral to each other, without the use of joints or bearings. This design feature reduces the requirement for maintenance and replacement of bearings, resulting in cost savings during construction and operations. However, this design approach can lead to increased stresses in the deck and substructures due to the repeated thermal cycles and the development of the so-called Ratcheting Effect and requires more sophisticated analyses to account for the soil-structure interaction effects taking place over the design life of the structures.
AECOM is involved in numerous major projects all over the world for small and mega/ large bridges. One such project is the MetroNET Yanchep Rail Extension, in Perth, Western Australia, where AECOM delivered civil and structural design services for the extension of the light-rail public network north of Perth, beyond its current end at Butler station. As part of these works, thirteen integral abutment bridges of different geometry, skew, curvature and typology were designed. This webinar will cover some of the main aspects of integral abutment bridge design in midas Civil, concentrating on both top-down and bottom-up construction. In addition, a brief introduction of new Civil NX will be presented and to show design automation for better workflow.