SPR 19-572: Fill Materials at Integral End Bents

  • Sun, Liecheng (PI)

Grants and Contracts Details

Description

This Research Program for the period July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020 is submitted in compliance with the provisions of Section 307 of Title 23, United States Code, and describes programs and operations for planning activities in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Kentucky Cooperative Transportation Research Program (KCTRP). This program modifies and updates such programs and is specifically intended to reflect the needs of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. It is fully expected that products from this program will also have national applications. The University of Kentucky Transportation Center is the main research group for the the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The SPR grant is the funding the is supplied each year for the many topics the Center is asked to research for KYTC The KCTRP is concerned with the development and conduct of a comprehensive research program in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In addition to research developed in cooperation with FHWA, the KCTRP may perform other services for the KYTC on a nonparticipating basis. The scope of these services could include activities such as research studies and special investigations of various engineering and operation activities. The Research Program and Implementation Advisory Committee (RPIAC), headed by the State Highway Engineer and coordinated through the Research Coordinator, will give direction to the research program. KYTC has adopted a modified procedure for designing and constrncting approach fills at bridges with integral end bents at selected sites. The modified approach includes geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) backfill. Polystyrene foam (Geofoam) is placed between the GRS backfill and the bridge end. Based on displacement measurements, obtained at two sites, this procedure has reduced settlement at bridge approaches. Based on comments from District construction staff there appears to be a need to modify the design where the geofoam and overlying pavement meet. There is also concern about the expense of the geofoam. Altemate materials dimensions and location, which would not be damaged by the bridge movement should be explored to make the modified approach easier and cheaper to constrnct and possibly reduce settlement further.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date7/1/186/30/22

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