| Abstract: | Settlement and heave related movements of bridge approach slabs relative to bridge decks create a bump in the roadway. Several problems arise from these bumps, which include poor riding conditions, potential vehicle damage, loss of vehicle control causing injuries or even casualities, lowered perception of the department's road works, increased maintenance works, and constant delays to rehabilitate the distressed lanes. All these make this bump problem a major maintenance problem in Texas. Several mitigation methods have been employed, and the results are not always satisfactory. In the present research, two treatment methods are investigated for controlling settlements of approach slabs of new bridge construction. Researchers from UTA and UTEP performed two phases to accomplish these studies. During the first phase, the documented information that covers various methods used so far for approach slab settlement mitigation technologies is compiled and presented. The second and final phase focused on field evaluation studies of deep soil mixing and light weight embankment fill treatment methods in reducing settlements. A few other technologies were also evaluated for reducing settlements of existing bridge approach slabs. Both design and construction specifications of the new methods that provided effective treatments in field conditions are presented. |
|---|