The behavior of the bridge approach slab has been analyzed when vehicle loads are
applied. Using a 3-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis, the stress distribution and
deflection of the approach slab were analyzed to investigate the effects ...
The behavior of the bridge approach slab has been analyzed when vehicle loads are
applied. Using a 3-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis, the stress distribution and
deflection of the approach slab were analyzed to investigate the effects of the slab length,
foundation stiffness, and settlement of foundation. This study showed that the maximum
stress decreased with the increase in the foundation stiffness and with the decrease in the
foundation settlement. If there was no foundation settlement, the tensile longitudinal stress
appeared at the bottom of the slab; however, when there was foundation settlement, both
the tensile and compressive stresses occurred at the bottom of the slab. The stresses were
not affected by the foundation stiffness if the foundation stiffness value exceeded a certain
value. When the maximum tensile stress is over the allowable tensile stress, the
prestressing techniques should be used or the slab thickness should be increased to reduce
the tensile stress.