Integral Bridges Soil-Structure Interaction

INTEGRAL BRIDGES
SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION

Jaromir Krizek

2

PREFACE
Handbook Integral Bridges Soil-Structure Interaction offers a practical tool for design of integral bridges.
Integral bridges are structures without bearings and mechanical expansion joints, whereas the connection
between the superstructure and the substructure is usually framed. Therefore, these bridges are considered as
frame structures. Because of continuity between the superstructure and the substructure, there is a significant
interaction with surrounding soil and backfill behind abutments, especially during thermal expansion, as the
substructure is pushed into the soil of the backfill. The soil is represented as an elastic-plastic material which
properties affect internal forces in the integral bridge structure. Therefore, it is necessary to consider
correctly the influence of the soil in the integral bridge design. This is one of the main problems in the
calculation of integral bridges in practice. A way, how to deal with the problem, is described in this
handbook.
The handbook describes the method simulating the surrounding soil by a system of soil springs located to
substructure elements. Practical usage of the method is demonstrated on several solved examples. You can
find here detailed guideline, how to calculate the stiffness of these horizontal and vertical soil springs, which
are located to abutments and spread foundations of integral bridges. The stiffness of the soil springs depend
on dimensions of the superstructure and the substructure, on parameters of the surrounding soil and on the
loading of the bridge. Consequently, you can use calculated values in a structural model of the integral
bridge as values of stiffness of vertical and horizontal soil springs located to the elements of the substructure.
I believe that this handbook will become a useful aid in practical design of integral bridges and that it will
contribute to their more frequent utilization.
Author

3

CONTENTS
LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS........................................................................................... 4
1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 CONCEPT OF INTEGRAL BRIDGE......................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 STRUCTURAL ARRANGEMENT............................................................................................................................ 7
1.3 STATICAL ACTION ............................................................................................................................................. 8
1.4 DESIGN .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
1.5 USAGE AND ADVANTAGES OF INTEGRAL BRIDGES.......................................................................................... 10
2 CALCULATION METHOD OF MODULI OF SUBGRADE REACTION ................................... 12
3 CALCULATION OF REACTION MODULI k
h
................................................................................ 14
3.1 DISTRIBUTIONS OF REACTION MODULI k
h
ON ABUTMENT ............................................................................... 14
3.2 DEFINITION OF POINTS AT CURVES T, R AND M.............................................................................................. 15
3.3 REACTION MODULI k
h
OF SKEWED BRIDGES ................................................................................................... 16
3.4 VALIDITY AND APPLICATION OF THE METHOD................................................................................................ 17
z
AND k
x
.................................................................. 18
4.1 VERTICAL REACTION MODULI k
z
FOR HOMOGENOUS SUBSOIL ....................................................................... 18
4.2 HORIZONTAL REACTION MODULI k
x
FOR HOMOGENOUS SUBSOIL................................................................... 18
4.3 VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL REACTION MODULI FOR LAYERED SUBSOIL...................................................... 19
4.4 MODULI k
z
AND k
x
OF SKEWED BRIDGES ......................................................................................................... 21
4.5 VALIDITY AND APPLICATION OF THE METHOD................................................................................................ 21
5 EXAMPLES........................................................................................................................................... 23
5.1 EXAMPLE 1 ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
5.2 EXAMPLE 2 ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
5.3 EXAMPLE 3 ...................................................................................................................................................... 29
5.4 EXAMPLE 4 ...................................................................................................................................................... 42
ANNEX A SOIL PARAMETERS............................................................................................................. 47
ANNEX B FACTORS A, B, C, D.............................................................................................................. 48
ANNEX C FACTORS K, L, M, N............................................................................................................. 49
ANNEX D FACTORS P, Q, R, S, T, U..................................................................................................... 51
ANNEX E FACTORS W
Z
AND W
X
......................................................................................................... 54
ANNEX F DEPTH OF COMPRESSIBLE SUBSOIL H
S
....................................................................... 55
ANNEX G LIMIT STRESS IN FOOTING BOTTOM.......................................................................... 56
LITERATURE............................................................................................................................................... 57
STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS................................................................................................................................... 57
PUBLICATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................. 57

4

LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS
c [kPa] Soil cohesion
f [kN/m
2
] Stress on the contact area between the solid pushed into the soil and the soil
f
cd
[MPa] Design value of concrete compressive strength
f
S0
[kN/m] Horizontal load of the abutments due earth pressures at rest
f
UDL
[kN/m] Uniformly distributed load of the bridge due to traffic
f
x
[kN/m
2
] Horizontal stress in the footing bottom
f
x, lim
[kN/m
2
] Limit value of horizontal stress in the footing bottom
f
yd
[MPa] Design yield stress of steel
f
z
[kN/m
2
] Vertical stress in the footing bottom
f
z, lim
[kN/m
2
] Limit value of vertical stress in the footing bottom
h
i
[m] Thickness of the i
th
layer
k [MN/m
3
] Modulus of subgrade reaction
k
h
[MN/m
3
] Horizontal modulus of subgrade reaction for abutments
k
x
[MN/m
3
] Horizontal modulus of subgrade reaction for spread footings
k
xi
[MN/m
3
] Horizontal modulus of subgrade reaction of i
th
layer below spread footing
k
xs
[MN/m
3
] Total horizontal modulus of subgrade reaction for layered subsoil below spread
footing
k
z
[MN/m
3
] Vertical modulus of subgrade reaction for spread footing
k
zi
[MN/m
3
] Vertical modulus of subgrade reaction of i
th
layer below spread footing
k
zs
[MN/m
3
] Total vertical modulus of subgrade reaction for layered subsoil below spread
footing
n [-] Modular ratio
u [m] Impression of the solid into the soil
u
r
[-] Relative displacement
u
rBx
[-] Relative horizontal displacement at the bottom of i
th
layer
u
rBz
[-] Relative vertical displacement at the bottom of i
th
layer
u
rTx
[-] Relative horizontal displacement at the top of i
th
layer
u
rTz
[-] Relative vertical displacement at the top of i
th
layer
u
B
[m] Horizontal displacement at the bottom of abutment
u
T
[m] Horizontal displacement at the top of abutment
z [m] Depth below ground surface
z
2
[m] Depth of points 2R, 2T and 2M below ground surface
z
B
, z
T
[m] Depth of points B and T below ground surface
z
r
, [-] Relative depth below ground surface
z
rB
, z
rT
[m] Relative depth of points B and T below ground surface

5

A, B, C, D [-] Factors for calculation of horizontal reaction moduli on the abutments
A
eff
[m
2
] Cross-sectional area of the effective equivalent steel section
B
f
[m] Width of spread footing
E
a
[MPa] Modulus of elasticity of structural steel
E
c
[MPa] Effective modulus of elasticity for concrete
E
cm
[MPa] Secant modulus of elasticity of concrete
E
ref
[MPa] Reference stiffness modulus of soil
F
TS
[kN] Load force due to tandem system
G [-] Load case due to self-weight
G
a
[-] Load case due to self-weight of steel girder
G
c
[-] Load case due to self-weight of the reinforced concrete slab
G
s
[MPa] Shear stiffness modulus of soil
G
fin
[-] Load case due to pavement and bridge equipment
G
k
[-] Characteristic value of a permanent action
G
ref
[MPa] Reference shear stiffness modulus of soil
GWL [m] Groundwater level
H
a
[m] Height of abutment
H
s
[m] Depth of compressible subsoil
I
D
[-] Index of relative density of soil
I
eff,y
[m
4
] Second moment of area of effective equivalent steel section around major axis
K, L, M, N [-] Factors for calculation of vertical reaction modulus on the spread footing
K
h
[MN/m
2
] Horizontal stiffness of distributed elastic support located on abutment beam
K
x
[MN/m
2
] Horizontal stiffness of distributed elastic support located on footing beam
K
z
[MN/m
2
] Vertical stiffness of distributed elastic support located on footing beam
L [m] Span of superstructure
L
tot
[m] Total length of bridge
L
f
[m] Length of spread footing
P, Q, R, S, T, U [-] Factors for calculation of horizontal reaction modulus on the spread footing
Q
k1
, Q
k2
[-] Characteristic value of leading and accompanying variable action
S
0
[-] Load case due to earth pressure at rest
S
r
[-] Degree of saturation
T
0
[C] Initial temperature of the bridge at time of installation
T
max
[C] Maximum shade air temperature
T
e, max
[C] Maximum uniform temperature component of the bridge
TEM [-] Load case due to thermal action
TS [-] Load case due to tandem system traffic load inducing maximal effect in the
middle of the bridge span
6

TS
1
,, TS
30
[-] Load cases due to tandem system traffic load inducing maximal effect in
particular section of bridge superstructure
TS
env
[-] Envelope of load cases TS
1
to TS
30

UDL [-] Load case due to uniformly distributed traffic load
W
x
[-] Groundwater factor for calculation of horizontal reaction modulus on the
spread footing
W
z
[-] Groundwater factor for calculation of vertical reaction moduli on the spread
footing

q1
,
q2
[-] Adjustment factors for distributed traffic load on the bridge UDL
Q1
,
Q2
,
Q3
[-] Adjustment factors for concentrated traffic load on the bridgeTandem System
t
[K
-1
] Factor of linear thermal expansion of steel and concrete
[kN/m
3
] Soil unit weight
L [mm] Thermal extension of the bridge
T
N, exp
[C] Uniform temperature component for the bridge
[-] Poissons ratio
[] Friction angle of soil
max
[MPa] Maximal stress reached in the steel girder, in reinforcement and in concrete
1
,
2
[-] Combination factors
7

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Concept of Integral Bridge
For centuries, bridges were constructed without any mechanical expansion joints and bearings. This changed
at the turn of 19th and 20th century, when more or less simplified analysis models started to be used in the
design of bridge structures and when stone, as a traditional construction material, was more and more
replaced by steel and concrete. Expansion joints and bearings, which separate a superstructure from a
substructure and which allow their relative displacement, became common parts of bridges. However, a
lifespan of expansion joints and bearings is significantly lower than a lifespan of the rest of the bridge
structure. The joints and the bearings bring often problems concerning their maintenance or possible
replacement. In many countries, efforts to reduce operating costs lead to such structural design that
eliminates using of expansion joins and bearings. The bridges without bearing and joints are termed
'integral' [6]. The elimination of bearings and mechanical expansion joints is the main advantage of integral
bridges considerable reducing their construction and operating costs. Because the connection of a
superstructure to a substructure is usually framed, integral bridges are also called frame bridges [11]. Integral
bridges became very popular in many countries. They are often used in Great Britain [12], Germany [7], [8],
[18], [19], [20], [21], Sweden [9], [17], USA and other countries. Integral bridges are very good alternative
to the traditional girder bridges with one or more short or medium spans.
1.2 Structural Arrangement
As already mentioned, integral bridges are specific when compared with traditional girder bridges, because
they do not contain expansion joints and bearings. The elimination of these structural elements separating the
superstructure from the substructure leads to many differences between integral bridges and traditional girder
bridges. You can compare typical structural arrangements of traditional and integral bridge in Figure 1.1.
The most important differences in structural arrangements of integral and traditional bridges are following:
1) Connection of the superstructure and the abutments,
2) Road transition between the bridge and adjacent embankment.

8

In case of the traditional girder bridges, the superstructure is connected to the abutments by bearings. As for
integral bridges, main girders are ended by diaphragm, which is fixed to an abutment. It forms a rigid frame
joint. With regard to the road transition between the bridge and the adjacent embankment, in case of
traditional bridges is necessary to use an expansion joint to span a gap between the superstructure and the
abutment. As for integral bridges, the expansion joint as well as the gap is eliminated.
1.3 Statical Action
Differences in structural arrangements of integral bridges and traditional girder bridges lead to differences of
their statical action. The most important differences are following:
1) Rigid frame joint between a superstructure and a substructure,
2) Interaction between the superstructure, the substructure and the surrounding soil,
3) Restraint of free expansion of the superstructure.
As for traditional bridges, the superstructure is supported by bearings, which allow free rotation of bridge
ends; thereby the bearings represent hinged support independent on the geometry of the abutment. Expansion
joints and bearings are usually arranged to allow free expansion in the longitudinal and sometimes in the
transversal direction of the bridge due to temperature changes. It is reached by the usage of appropriate
combination of fixed and sliding bearings.
Since the superstructure of integral bridge is fixed to the substructure, all displacements and rotations of the
superstructure are transmitted to the substructure, see Figure 1.2.

During the thermal expansion, the abutments are pushed into the soil of backfill, which brings about passive
earth pressures acting on the abutments. The movements of the superstructure are restrained by the stiffness
of the abutments and by the earth pressure acting on the abutments. This causes an interaction of the
superstructure, the substructure and the surrounding soil.

9

1.4 Design
With regard to the structural arrangement and statical action of integral bridges, we can summarize the basic
design differences of integral and traditional bridges as follows:
1) Inclusion of the superstructure, the substructure and the surrounding soil into a single structural model,
2) Significant influence of temperature changes on the stress state of the structure.
In case of traditional bridges, the connection of the superstructure and the abutments is usually hinged and
the expansion joints and bearings allow relative movements between the superstructure and the substructure.
Hence, the superstructure and the substructure can be analyzed separately, see Figure 1.3d.
In case of integral bridges, where the superstructure significantly interacts with the substructure, it is
necessary to include the substructure into the structural model. The stiffness of the abutments influences a
distribution of internal forces in the superstructure and in the abutments themselves. Thus, it is necessary to
create a structural model including both the superstructure and the substructure, see Figure 1.3b.
Similarly as for the substructure, it is also necessary to include an influence of the backfill behind the
abutments into the structural model of the integral bridge. As a result of abutment displacements due to
thermal expansion, the soil behind abutments is compressed and influences stresses in the whole bridge
structure. The influence of the backfill is considered by soil springs, which are located on the abutments.
These soil springs are oriented horizontally, i.e. transverse to the back of the abutment.
The structural model of an integral bridge is a statically indeterminate frame, where internal forces are
influenced by support settlements. In case of foundation on spread footing, it is appropriate to represent its
flexibility by elastic springs located in the vertical and horizontal direction on the spread footing.

10

1.5 Usage and Advantages of Integral Bridges
Integral bridges become widely used in practice. Because of lower construction and maintenance costs and
other advantages, they established themselves in economic competition in many countries. Integral bridges
are currently often used in Germany, Sweden, Great Britain, USA and in other countries. According to the
British standard [1], it is recommended to prefer integral bridges in such cases, where the total length of the
superstructure is less than 60 m and the skews do not exceed 30. The reason for the length limit of the
superstructure is the absence of bearings and expansion joints. In case of longer spans, this structural
arrangement could cause problems in the transition zone. It must be indeed pointed out, that bridges with the
total length lower than 60 m occur most often in practice. However, integral bridges with the higher length
than 60 m exist. In these cases, it is appropriate to use integral bridges with added expansion joints.
Integral bridges have many forms and wide range of utilization. They are applied as road bridges [21],
railway bridges [8], but also as footbridges. In term of the number of spans, there are structures with one or
more spans [18]. The superstructure can be carried out from reinforced concrete [11], from prestressed
prefabricated concrete [13], [16], eventually composite with the reinforced concrete deck and steel main
girders, either full-web [10] or truss [11]. However, the guiding principles described in the introduction as
well as the method to calculate stiffness of soil springs (see below) is valid for all types of integral bridges.
The main advantages of integral bridges can be summarized as follows:
1) Elimination of expansion joints and bearings: The elimination of expansion joints and bearings lead to
lower construction costs of the bridge. Since the expansion joints and bearings generally have lower
lifespan than the superstructure, they require regular maintenance and need to be replaced several times
during the bridge existence. In case of integral bridges, this problem is eliminated. Thereby it reduces
operating costs and closures of the bridge due to maintenances are less often [17], [22].
2) Simplified substructure: The superstructure is monolithically connected to the abutments. This
eliminates bearing pads, end screen walls and cross expansion gaps, because all is integrated into the end
diaphragm. Moreover, the abutments are strutted by the superstructure and supported by the surrounding
soil. This leads to higher stability of the substructure, to the possibility of design of slender abutments, to
reduction of spread footings and, in case of pile foundation, to design of one row of piles only for each
abutment. These simplifications of the substructure strongly reduce material consumption, earthworks
volume and, consequently, the construction costs.
3) Faster and simplified construction process: In case of integral bridges, the works concerning keeping
precise geometry of bearings and placement of mechanical expansion joints are eliminated. Together with
the simplification of the substructure, it leads to faster and simpler construction of an integral bridge.
4) Slender superstructure: Because of the frame behavior of the structure, bending moments are
redistributed from the sagging moments to hogging moments. It allows the design of a slenderer
superstructure with reduced bridge superstructure depth in comparison with simply supported bridges.
11

5) Shorter and lower highway ramps: In case of bridges at interchanges in flat terrain, the above-
mentioned reduction of the superstructure depth leads to shorter and lower highway ramps and
embankments. It leads to further reduction of earth works [11].
6) Drive comfort improvement: Because of the elimination of expansion joints, a smooth road transition
between adjacent embankment and the bridge is achieved. To avoid failures in a road transition, proper
construction of the transition zone should be chosen.
7) Remove of problematic details: In case of traditional bridges, reactions from the superstructure to the
substructure are transmitted by bearings. This leads to a strong concentration of stresses in bearing pads
and bridge seats. In case of integral bridges, this problem is resolved because massive frame end-
diaphragm is provided. Another advantage is the elimination of a possible leakage to the substructure
through expansion joints [15].
8) Robust structure: The frame connection of the superstructure and the substructure increases the static
indeterminacy and the structure robustness. Because of their higher ductility, integral bridges are more
resistant to seismicity and other accidental actions, e.g. impacts of vehicles to the abutments,
displacements of abutments due to floods, or terrorist attacks.

12

2 CALCULATION METHOD OF MODULI OF SUBGRADE REACTION
One of the problems of the practical design of integral bridges is the adequate consideration of the
surrounding soil, which supports the substructure. If the subsoil is represented as a system of elastic soil
springs located on the elements, which are in contact with the soil (see Figure 1.3b), a question arises how to
determine the stiffness of these soil springs properly. Stiffness of soil springs can be calculated using
following method.
In the method, the stiffness of soil springs is expressed by moduli of subgrade reaction. Physically, modulus
of subgrade reaction represents stiffness of a surface spring supporting surfaces or solids. The definition of
the modulus of subgrade reaction k is than following:
f
k
u
= (2.1)
where: f is the stress on the contact area between the solid pushed into the soil and the soil,
u is the impression of the solid into the soil.
Figure 2.1 shows the moduli of subgrade reaction, which can be determined by means of this method.

k
h
is the modulus of subgrade reaction on abutments in horizontal direction which represents passive
earth resistance of the backfill induced by pushing of the abutment into the soil,
k
z
is modulus of subgrade reaction below spread footing in vertical direction which represents
compressibility of the subsoil,
k
x
is modulus of subgrade reaction below spread footing in horizontal direction which represents the
shear resistance of the footing bottom against the horizontal displacements.
The moduli of subgrade reaction k
h
are calculated upon these parameters:
1) Height of the abutment,
2) Length of the superstructure, which affects displacements of the abutment due to thermal expansion,
3) Type of the soil in backfill.

13

Moduli of subgrade reaction k
z
and k
x
calculated using the method depend on these parameters:
1) Dimensions of the spread footing,
2) Vertical and horizontal stress in the footing bottom,
3) Type of the subsoil below the spread footing,
4) Groundwater level in the subsoil.
Types and parameters of soil, which are necessary for the calculation of moduli of subgrade reaction k
h
, k
z

and k
x
, are summarized in Annex A. Annex A relates to soil classification described in [2].
Calculation of moduli of subgrade reaction on piles is not covered in the method. Another literature is to be
used to determine them.
On the basis of calculated moduli of subgrade reaction k
h
, k
z
and k
x
, it is possible to determine the stiffness
of elastic soil springs supporting the substructure of the integral bridge
2.1
. The soil springs can be introduced
into the structural model used for the practical design, see Figure 2.1.
Described method is applicable generally for a wide range of integral bridges. It can be used both for single-
span and multi-span integral bridges with any type of superstructure, i.e. for the steel, composite, reinforced
and prestressed concrete bridges. The reaction moduli k
h
can be used for reinforced concrete abutments,
where no significant bending deflections caused by horizontal earth pressures occur. Calculated values of the
reaction moduli k
h
are applicable to the abutments founded on the spread footings or piles.

Note 2.1: Soil is generally non-linear elastic-plastic material. If soil deformation occurs, this deformation has always
elastic and plastic component. These components are difficult to separate, because the elastic and plastic deformations
occur simultaneously. This behavior is comprehended in the presented method for calculation of reaction moduli k
h
, k
z

and k
x
. Reaction moduli calculated according to this method include both elastic and plastic soil deformations and give
a true picture of non-linear soil behavior. In the practical use of the method, the stiffnesses of the soil springs are
determined from the calculated reaction moduli. These soil springs, which are used in the structural model of the bridge,
are usually considered as linear. It means that the stiffness of the springs is constant and independent on the load
magnitude. Despite this simplification of real elastic-plastic behavior of the soil, the use of the linear springs is
considered being enough accurate to simulate the elastic support of the integral bridges. However, in many cases, it is
appropriate to minimize the plastic deformations of the soil (for example the soil in the backfill) in the bridge design.
Using this method, it is possible to calculate the measure of the plastic deformations by the way described in the notes
5.1 and 5.2. It gives designer information about the possible soil plasticity, which should be avoided.
14

h
This chapter deals with reaction moduli k
h
on the abutments. General procedure of calculation of the
distribution of reaction moduli k
h
on the abutments is described.
3.1 Distributions of Reaction Moduli k
h
on Abutment
Distribution of the reaction moduli k
h
depends on the mode of displacement of the abutment into the backfill
caused by the thermal expansion and other effects. The displacement is defined by these two parameters:
1) Horizontal displacement at the top of the abutment u
T
,
2) Horizontal displacement at the bottom of the abutment u
B
.
The distributions of the reaction moduli along the depth of the abutment are shown in Figure 3.1. At the
horizontal axis, there are values of reaction moduli k
h
, vertical axis represents the depths z under the surface.

15

There are three different distributions of k
h
depending on the displacement mode of the abutment:
1) Translation of the abutment (u
T
= u
B
): In this case, the distribution of the moduli k
h
is described by
linear curve T, which is defined by point 1 at the top of the abutment and by point 3T at the bottom
of the abutment. Between the points 1 and 3T, there is an intermediate point 2T at depth z
2
.
2) Rotation of the abutment (u
B
= 0): In this case, the distribution of reaction moduli k
h
is described by
bilinear curve R, which is defined by points 1, 2R and 3R. Point 1 is identical with curve T, point 2R
is at the same depth z
2
below the surface as point 2T. Point 3R is at the bottom of the abutment and is
located vertically under point 2R.
3) Combination of rotation and translation of the abutment (u
T
> u
B
> 0): The distribution of
reaction moduli k
h
is described by bilinear curve M, located between curves T and R. Curve M is
defined by points 1, 2M, and 3M. Point 1 is identical with curves T and R, point 2M is at the same
depth z
2
as points 2T and 2R. The position of point 2M between points 2T and 2R can be determined
by the linear interpolation according to the value u
B
ranging between 0 and u
T
. Point 3M is located at
the bottom of the abutment. Its position between points 3T and 3R can be determined by the
interpolation as well as by point 2M.
3.2 Definition of Points at Curves T, R and M
It is necessary to define points 1, 2R and 3T to determine curves T, R, and M for the particular case.
Reaction moduli k
h
of points 1, 2R and 3T, as well as depth z
2
, have to be calculated. These values are
calculated using following formulas:
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
k
2
T
2
ref
4
T ref
h
+ + + = (3.1)
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
z
2
T
2
ref
4
T ref
2
+ + + = (3.2)
where: k
h
is reaction modulus in MN/m
3
in the horizontal direction for appropriate point,
z
2
depth of points 2R and 2T in meters,
A to D factors for calculation of horizontal reaction moduli k
h
on abutments, see Tables
B.1 and B.2, Annex B,
E
ref
reference stiffness modulus of soil in the backfill in MPa in the drained and
compacted state assuming I
D
> 0,75,
u
T
horizontal displacement at the top of abutment in mm.
Factors A, B, C and D can be found for each point 1, 2R, 3T and depth z
2
in Tables B.1 and B.2 Annex B
depending on the height of the abutment H
a
and on the soil type (sand or gravel). Point 2T is located on the
join of points 1 and 3T in depth z
2
. Point 3R is located on the vertical under point 2R. Curves M for the
combination of rotation and translation of the abutment can be allocated by interpolation between the
relevant curves R and T. The calculation of the reaction moduli k
h
and depths z of the points 1, 2T, 2R, 2M,
3T, 3R and 3M is summarized in Table 3.1.
16

Table 3.1 Points of the curves T, R and M
Point k
h
[MN/m
3
] z [m]
1
1
2
T 1
2
ref 1
4
T ref 1
1 , h
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
k + + + = (3.3) 0
2T
a
2 1 h, 3T h,
1 h, T 2 , h
H
z ) k (k
k k

+ = (3.4)
2R
2
2
T 2
2
ref 2
4
T ref 2
R 2 , h
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
k + + + = (3.5)
2M
T
B 2T h, 2R h,
2R h, M 2 , h
u
u ) k (k
k k

= (3.6)
z
2
T z
2
ref z
4
T ref z
2
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
z + + + = (3.10)
3T
3
2
T 3
2
ref 3
4
T ref 3
T 3 , h
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
k + + + = (3.7)
3R
2R h, R 3 , h
k k = (3.8)
3M
T
B 3T h, 3R h,
3R h, M 3 , h
u
u ) k (k
k k

= (3.9)
H
a

Factors A, B, C and D can be found for each point in Tables B.1 and B.2 Annex B.
Reference stiffness modulus of soil E
ref
in the drained state is appointed in [MPa].
Horizontal displacements u
T
and u
B
are appointed in [mm].
3.3 Reaction Moduli k
h
of Skewed Bridges
The method presented above is valid in case of straight bridges, where the displacement of the abutment is
perpendicular to its back, see Figure 3.2a. By skewed bridges, it can be expected, that the displacement of the
abutments caused by the thermal expansion and other effects occurs mostly in the longitudinal axis of the
bridge, see Figure 3.2b. This displacement can be divided into two directions:
1) Perpendicular to the abutment backside: Resistance of the soil caused by this displacement can be
considered as elastic soil springs expressed by moduli k
h
. The displacements perpendicular to the
backside of the abutment can be used to calculate moduli k
h
according to paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2.
2) Parallel with the abutment backside: In case of this displacement, the resistance of the soil depends
on the friction between the backside of the abutment and the backfill. The method presented above
does not deal with this effect. If the skew of the bridge is less than 30, the friction can be neglected.
Otherwise, it should be considered, whether the friction has a significant effect for the interaction
between the bridge structure and the backfill.

17

3.4 Validity and Application of the Method
Described method for calculation of moduli k
h
is applicable under following assumptions:
1) Superstructure of the integral bridge: Described method is applicable to the all types of the
superstructures, i.e. to the steel, composite, reinforced and prestressed concrete integral bridges.
2) Span, number of spans and bridge length: In the climatic conditions of the central Europe and other
countries with the similar climate, the method is applicable to the bridges of the total length up to
130 m
3.1
. In countries, where maximal summer temperatures given by the actual standards are higher,
the maximal bridge length is reduced to correspond with the condition of point 7, see below. The
number of spans can be arbitrary.
3) Skewed bridges: The method can be used with the sufficient accuracy for the bridges with skew up to
30, see paragraph 3.3. Otherwise, it should be considered, whether the skew has a significant effect
for the interaction between the bridge structure and the backfill.
4) Abutments: The method was derived for rigid reinforced concrete abutments, where small deflections
due to the passive earth pressure occur. The abutment height of ranges between 2 and 15 m.
5) Foundation of the bridge: The method can be used for bridges based on spread footings or piles.
6) Soil in the backfill: There are expected non-cohesive, non-frost susceptible sandy or gravely soils
classified as SW-SC or GW-GC. The method is valid in the range of soil parameters listed in Annex
A. There is also assumption, that the backfill is drained and compacted to the density index I
D
0,75.
7) Horizontal displacements of the abutments into the backfill: Translation, rotation and their
combination is expected. At the same time it is assumed, that the horizontal displacements at the top
and at the bottom of the abutment u
t
and u
b
vary in the range 0-36 mm
3.1
.
8) Factors A, B, C and D for points 1, 2R, 3T and depth z
2
are given in Tables B.1 and B.2, Annex B.
For interjacent abutment heights, it is possible to interpolate in Tables B.1 and B.2.
9) Horizontal displacement at the top of the abutment u
T
is appointed in mm. Despite points 2R and
3T are not at the top of the abutment, the horizontal displacement at the top of the abutment u
T
is
always appointed into formulas (3.1) to (3.10).
10) Reference stiffness modulus E
ref
is appointed in MPa. If no accurate values of E
ref
are available, it is
possible to use the values given in Tables A.1 and A.2, Annex A.
In compliance with the above noted assumptions, the values of the reaction moduli k
h
obtained from
formulas in Table 3.1 are in MN/m
3
. The way in which the method was derived is described in detail in [14].
Note 3.1: The method was derived for the displacement u
t
and u
b
ranging between 0 and 36mm (point 7). Assuming
symmetrical expansion on the both bridge ends, maximal elongation of the bridge is L = 72 mm. According to [4], the
maximal temperature T
N, exp
for the bridge elongation is considered 46C for the steel bridges. In case of concrete and
composite bridges, this value is lower. The total length L
tot
of the bridge can be calculated from the formula L
tot
= L /
(
t
T
N, exp
) = 0,072 / (12.10
-6
. 46) = 130 m. This implies the maximal length criterion of the bridge presented in the
assumption point 2. This criterion does not take into the account other static or structural limits.
18

z
AND k
x

This chapter describes calculation of reaction moduli k
z
and k
x
for the homogenous and stratified subsoil
below the spread footing. The presented formulas are based on the assumption, that the distribution of the
reaction moduli is uniform across the entire area of the footing bottom.
4.1 Vertical Reaction Moduli k
z
for Homogenous Subsoil
Formula (4.1) for calculation of reaction moduli k
z
is based on the assumption that the subsoil below the
spread footing consist of one soil class only, whereas classification given in Annex A is used. Reaction
modulus k
z
is calculated as follows:

z
ref
z
z
W
N
E
M
f L
K
k

+
+
= (4.1)
where: k
z
3
in the vertical direction for the homogenous subsoil
with the effect of groundwater,
K, L, M, N factors dependent on the footing dimensions and on the soil type, see Tables C.1- C.4,
Annex C,
W
z
factor reflecting the groundwater level, see Table E.1, Annex E,
E
ref
reference stiffness modulus of the subsoil under drained conditions in MPa,
f
z
vertical stress in the footing bottom in kN/m
2
considered as an average uniform value
across the whole area of the footing bottom.
4.2 Horizontal Reaction Moduli k
x
for Homogenous Subsoil
Formula (4.2) for calculation of reaction moduli k
x
is based on the assumption that the subsoil below the
spread footing consist of one soil class only whereas classification given in Annex A is used. Reaction
moduli k
x
is calculated as follows:

x
ref
z
x z x
x
W
U
G
T f S
R
f Q f f P
k
= (4.2)
where: k
z
3
in the horizontal direction for the homogenous subsoil
with the effect of groundwater,
P to U factors dependent on the footing dimensions and on the soil type, see Tables D.1 -
D.4, Annex D,
W
x
factor reflecting the groundwater level, see Table E.1, Annex E,
G
ref
reference shear stiffness modulus of the subsoil under drained conditions in MPa,
f
z
, f
x
vertical and horizontal stresses in the footing bottom in kN/m
2
considered as an
average uniform value across the whole area of the footing bottom.
In case of the fine-grained soils classified as F3 to F6, the effect of the horizontal stress f
x
in footing bottom
is negligible, as far as modulus k
x
is concerned. Formula (4.2) can be reduced to the form:
19

( )
x
ref
z x
W
U
G
T f S k + = (4.3)
4.3 Vertical and Horizontal Reaction Moduli for Layered Subsoil
The formulas shown in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 are valid assuming that the subsoil below the footing is
homogenous. However, cases with layered subsoil occur in practice. This paragraph describes the method
how to calculate vertical and horizontal reaction moduli k
zs
and k
xs
for the layered subsoil below the spread
footing. The calculation is based on the general principle, that the reciprocal value of the reaction modulus of
the layered subsoil is equal to the sum of the reciprocal values of reaction moduli of the particular layers. If
the layered subsoil consists of n layers, the total reaction moduli k
zs
and k
xs
of the layered subsoil can be
calculated as follows:
-1
n
1 i zi
zs
k
1
k

=

=
(4.4)

-1
n
1 i xi
xs
k
1
k

=

=
(4.5)
where: k
zi
, k
xi
are vertical and horizontal reaction moduli of the particular i
th
layer of the subsoil.
Reaction moduli of the particular layers k
zi
and k
xi
can be calculated according to following formulas:
rBz rTz
z
zi
u u
k
k
= (4.6)
rBx rTx
x
xi
u u
k
k
= (4.7)
where: k
z
, k
x
are vertical and horizontal reaction moduli calculated according to formulas (4.1) to
(4.3) supposing homogenous subsoil,
u
rTz
, u
rTx
relative vertical and horizontal displacements at the top of the particular i
th
layer (point
T, Figure 4.1),
u
rBz
, u
rBx
relative vertical and horizontal displacements at the bottom of the particular i
th
layer
(point B, Figure 4.1).
Relative displacements u
rTz
, u
rTx
, u
rBz
and u
rBx
can be obtained from the graph in Figure 4.1. This graph shows
the relationship between relative depth z
r
and relative displacement u
r
. If the top of the particular i
th
layer is
in the depth z
T
(point T) and the bottom in the depth z
B
(point B), relative depths z
rT
and z
rB
are calculated:
s
T
rT
H
z
z = (4.8)

s
B
rB
H
z
z = (4.9)
where: z
T
, z
B
are the depths of points T and B at the top and at the bottom of the i
th
layer,
H
s
depth of compressible subsoil, see the Table F.1, Annex F.
20

The depth of the compressible subsoil H
s
depends on the type of soil, on the value of vertical stress in the
footing bottom and on the dimensions of the footing. Values of H
s
can be found in Table F.1, Annex F. H
s

represents the compressible part of subsoil below the footing, where significant deformations caused by the
footing load occur.
Relative displacements u
rTz
, u
rBz
, u
rTx
and u
rBx
can be obtained from the graph in Figure 4.1 upon depths z
rT

and z
rB
. Relative displacements u
rTz
and u
rBz
in the vertical direction can be obtained from the branch of the
graph for vertical direction, while relative displacements u
rTx
and u
rBx
in the horizontal direction can be
obtained from the branch for horizontal direction.

21

4.4 Moduli k
z
and k
x
of Skewed Bridges
The calculation method of the reaction moduli k
z
and k
x
was developed for straight bridges with a
rectangular spread footing with the width B
f
and the length L
f
. However, the method can be also used for
bridges with skew up to 30. If the spread foundation has the rhomboid plan view, it can be substituted by
the rectangular foundation (Figure 4.2) for the purposes of calculation of moduli k
z
and k
x
.

4.5 Validity and Application of the Method
Described method for calculation of moduli k
z
, k
x
, k
zs
and k
xs
is applicable under following assumptions:
1) Dimensions of the foundations: between 3x6 and 8x32 m
4.1
.
2) Skewed bridges: Above-described method can be used with the sufficient accuracy for the bridges
with skew up to 30, see paragraph 4.4. Otherwise, it is necessary to consider whether the skew of
bridge has significant effect on the values of the reaction moduli k
z
and k
x
.
3) Soil in subsoil: Sandy soil classified as SW-SC, gravelly soil classified as GW-GC and fine-grained
soil classified as MG-CI are assumed. The method is applicable in the range of soil parameters given
in Annex A. It is assumed that the soil in the subsoil is compacted to the value of the relative density
I
D
0,75. In case of the fine-grained soil, the firm consistency is assumed.
4) Groundwater level: The effect of the groundwater is considered using factors W
z
and W
x
. Factors W
z

and W
x
are summarized in Table E.1, Annex E.
5) Vertical and horizontal stress f
z
and f
x
in the footing bottom: Vertical stress f
z
in the footing
bottom is for particular soils limited by values of f
z, lim
listed in Table G.1, Annex G. Similarly,
horizontal stress f
x
is limited by the values of f
x, lim
. The values of f
x, lim
are also summarized in Table
G.1. Vertical and horizontal stresses f
z
and f
x
are used in kN/m
2
in formulas 4.1 to 4.3 and their values
are assumed constant across the whole area of footing bottom.
6) Factors K, L, M, N and P, Q, R, S, T, U are listed in tables C.1 to C.4 of Annex C and in Tables D.1
to D.4 of Annex D. In case of the interjacent values of footing dimensions, it is possible to interpolate
in tables. Similarly, it is possible to interpolate between the particular soil classes. In case of the fine-
22

grained soils, the factors for the effective parameters (Tables C.3 and D.3) are used in case of the long-
term loading effects. In case of the short-term effects, the total parameters (Tables C.4 and D.4) are
used.
7) Reference stiffness moduli E
ref
and G
ref
are used in MPa. If no accurate values of E
ref
and G
ref
are
available, it is possible to use the values given in Tables A.1 to A.3 of Annex A. In case of fine-
grained soils, the total parameters are used for short-term loading effects, the effective parameters are
used for the long-term loading, see Table A.3 of Annex A.
In compliance with the above noted assumptions, the values of the reaction moduli k
z
, k
x
, k
zs
and k
xs
obtained
from formulas (4.1) to (4.7) are in MN/m
3
. The way in which the method was derived is described in detail
in [14].

Note 4.1: The method was derived for footing dimensions in the range of 3x6 to 8x32 m, and consequently the factors
K, L, M, N and P, Q, R, S, T, U were determined. This criterion does not take into the account other static or structural
limits.
23

5 EXAMPLES
5.1 Example 1
Determine the distribution of the reaction moduli k
h
on an abutment. The geometry of the abutment is shown
in Figure 5.1. The height of the abutment H
a
= 7,5 m, the backfill is provided by dense sandy material with
stiffness modulus E
ref
= 40 MPa. The horizontal displacement at the top of the abutment u
T
= 6,0 mm, the
horizontal displacement at the bottom of the abutment u
B
= 3,0 mm.
The displacement of the abutment is a combination of translation and rotation. In this case, the distribution of
reaction moduli is defined by bilinear curve M, as shown in Figure 3.1. The bilinear curve M is located
between linear curve T, where u
T
= u
B
= 6,0 mm (translation), and bilinear curve R, where u
T
= 6,0 mm and
u
B
= 0,0 mm (rotation). The distribution of reaction moduli k
h
is determined in the following steps:
1) Determination of linear curve T, supposing u
T
= u
B
= 6,0 mm, representing horizontal translation of
the abutment.
2) Determination of bilinear curve R, supposing u
T
= 6,0 mm and u
B
= 0,0 mm, representing rotation of
the abutment.
3) Determination of final intermediate bilinear curve M, where u
T
= 6,0 mm and u
B
= 3,0 mm,
representing combination of translation and rotation of the abutment.
1. Linear Curve T
To determine curve T, see Figure 3.1, it is necessary to calculate values of the reaction moduli k
h,1
, k
h,2T
, k
h,3T
and depth z
2
. Formulas given in Table 3.1 are used. Factors A, B, C and D are obtained from Table B.1,
Annex B. The values of the factors are interpolated between the values for abutment heights H
a
7 and 8 m.

3
2 2 4
1
2
T 1
2
ref 1
4
T ref 1
1 , h
MN/m 1,6 0,0
10
6,0 . 0,0

10
40 . 4,45

10
6,0 . 40 . 6,0 -
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
k = + + + = + + + =
3
2 2 4
3
2
T 3
2
ref 3
4
T ref 3
3T , h
MN/m 6,8 0,55
10
6,0 . 1,05

10
40 . 16,5

10
6,0 . 40 . 16,0 -
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
k = + + + = + + + =
m 0,9 0,7
10
6,0 . 1,4

10
40 . 0,25

10
6,0 . 40 . 1,25
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
z
2 2 4
z
2
T z
2
ref z
4
T ref z
2
= + + + = + + + =
3
a
2 1 h, 3T h,
1 h, 2T , h
MN/m 2,2
7,5
0,9 1,6) (6,8
1,6
H
z ) k (k
k k =
+ =
+ =
2. Bilinear Curve R
To determine curve R, see Figure 3.1, it is necessary to calculate values of the reaction moduli k
h,1
, k
h,2R
, k
h,3R
and depth z
2
according to formulas in Table 3.1. As well as by curve T, factors A, B, C and D are obtained
from Table B.1 and interpolated.
3
1 , h
MN/m 1,6 k = (See linear curve T)
24

3
2 2 4
2
2
t 2
2
ref 2
4
t ref 2
2R , h
MN/m 6,6 0,75
10
6,0 . 0,0

10
40 . 14,9

10
6,0 . 40 . 6,2 -
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
k = + + + = + + + =
3
2R h, 3R , h
MN/m 6,6 k k = =
m 0,9 z
2
= (See linear curve T)
3. Bilinear Curve M
To determine curve M, see Figure 3.1, it is necessary to calculate the values of the reaction moduli k
h,1
, k
h,2M
,
k
h,3M
and depth z
2
. These values are interpolated between curves T and R according to formulas in Table 3.1.
3
1 , h
MN/m 1,6 k = (See linear curve T)
3
T
B 2T h, 2R h,
2R h, 2M , h
MN/m 4,4
6,0
3,0 2,3) (6,6
6,6
u
u ) k (k
k k =
=

3
T
B 3T h, 3R h,
3R h, 3M , h
MN/m 6,7
6,0
3,0 6,8) (6,6
6,6
u
u ) k (k
k k =
=
m 0,9 z
2
= (See linear curve T)
The final distribution of reaction moduli k
h
on the abutment is shown in Figure 5.1 (curve M)
5.1
. In addition,
curves T and R are displayed.

Note 5.1: Deformations of the backfill due to abutment displacement consist of elastic and plastic component, see Note
2.1. However, the aim of the practical design of the backfill is to minimize plastic deformation due to the cyclic
movements of the abutment. The reaction moduli k
h
calculated by this method take into the account the elastic-plastic
behavior of the soil. The plastic component of the deformation can be determined by this method in the following way:
The distribution of k
h
can be calculated for the required translations u
t
and u
b
first. The distribution of k
h
can be then
calculated for other values of translations, for example, for u
T
/2 and u
B
/2. If the distributions of k
h
are similar in both
cases, we conclude that the elastic behavior of the backfill prevails. If the distributions differ significantly, it indicates
plastic behavior of the backfill. Any changes in the design of the substructure should be considered in this case.
25

5.2 Example 2
Calculate vertical and horizontal reaction moduli k
zs
and k
xs
of a rectangular spread footing. The geometry of
the footing and the subsoil are shown in Figure 5.2. Width of the footing B
f
= 5,0 m and length L
f
= 12,0 m.
There is a vertical normal stress f
z
= 200 kN/m
2
and a horizontal shear stress f
x
= 15 kN/m
2
in the footing
bottom. The subsoil below the footing consists of two layers: 1) layer of sandy soil classified as SF with
thickness of 4,0 m, Stiffness modulus E
ref
= 21,0 MPa and shear stiffness modulus G
ref
= 8,0 MPa, 2) layer
of gravely soil classified as GF with thickness of 5,0 m, stiffness modulus E
ref
= 95,0 MPa and shear stiffness
modulus G
ref
= 38,0 MPa. The groundwater level is 5,0 m below the terrain.
To calculate the reaction moduli, the subsoil is divided into three layers:
1) The layer of soil classified as SF, thickness 4,0 m (layer 1),
2) The layer of soil classified as GF above the groundwater level, thickness 1,0 m (layer 2),
3) The layer of soil classified as G3 below the groundwater level, thickness 4,0 m (layer 3).
The reaction moduli k
zs
and k
xs
are calculated in four steps. In the first three steps, the partial reaction moduli
k
zi
and k
xi
of each layer are calculated. In the fourth step, the total reaction moduli k
zs
and k
xs
is determined.

1. Layer 1
First, reaction moduli k
z
and k
x
are calculated using formulas (4.1) and (4.2), supposing homogenous subsoil
consisting of soil classified as SF only. Factors K, L, M, N are obtained from Tables C.1 and C.2, Annex C.
The factors are interpolated according to width B
f
and length L
f
. In case of footing dimensions 5x12 m, the
final interpolated factors are:
K = 1204,0 L = 36,0 M = 1,66 N = 21,0
Factor W
z
can be obtained from Table E.1, Annex E. Layer 1 is above the groundwater level, it follows:
W
z
= 1,00

26

Putting all factors to formula (4.1), we get:
3
z
ref
z
z
MN/m 6,4 0,95
21,0
21,0
66 , 1
200 0 , 36
1204,0
W
N
E
M
f L
K
k =
+
+
=
+
+
=
Factors P, Q, R, S, T, U are obtained by interpolation in Table D.1, Annex D. In case of footing dimensions
5x12 m, the final interpolated factors are:
P = 0,0055 Q = 2,9 R = 50,0 S = 0,0082 T = 6,7 U = 8,1
Factor W
x
is obtained from Table E.1, Annex E. Layer 1 is above the groundwater level, it follows:
W
x
= 1,0
Putting all factors to formula (4.2), we get:
=
= 1,0
8,1
8,0
6,7 200 . 0,0082
50,0
15 . 2,9 200 . 15 . 0,0055
W
U
G
T f S
R
f Q f f P
k
x
ref
z
x z x
x

3
MN/m 4,5 =
Depth of the compressible subsoil H
s
is obtained by interpolation in Table F.1, Annex F. Subsoil consisting
of soil classified as SF is assumed. In case of footing dimensions 5x12 m and vertical stress in the footing
bottom f
z
= 200 kN/m
2
the final interpolated value is:
H
s
= 7,2 m
Layer 1 is 4,0 m depth and is situated from 0 to 4 m below the footing bottom. It follows:
z
T
= 0,0 m z
B
= 4,0 m
Using formulas (4.8) and (4.9), we calculate relative depths z
rT
and z
rB
at the top and at the bottom of layer 1:
0,0
7,2
0,0

H
z
z
s
T
rT
= = = 0,56
7,2
4,0

H
z
z
s
B
rB
= = =
Using the graph of the layered subsoil (Figure 4.1) and above
calculated relative depths z
rT
and z
rB
, we obtain relative
displacements at the top and at the bottom of layer 1:
u
rTz
= 1,0 u
rBz
= 0,27 u
rTx
= 1,0 u
rBx
= 0,08
Putting in formulas (4.6) and (4.7), horizontal and vertical
reaction moduli of layer 1 are calculated:
3
rBz rTz
z
1 z
MN/m 8,8
0,27 1,0
6,4

u u
k
k =
=
3
rBx rTx
x
1 x
MN/m 4,9
0,08 1,0
4,5

u u
k
k =
=

27

2. Layer 2
In case of layer 2, the calculation is analogous to the calculation of layer 1. Factors K, L, M, N can be
determined by interpolation in Table C.2, factor W
z
can be found in Table E.1:
K = 7108,0 L = 81,7 M = 7,0 N = 95,0 W
z
= 1,00
3
z
ref
z
z
MN/m 30,6 0,95
95,0
95,0
0 , 7
200 7 , 81
7108,0
W
N
E
M
f L
K
k =
+
+
=
+
+
=
Similarly, an analogous way is proceeded in case of factors P, Q, R, S, T, U, W
x
and modulus k
x
.
P = 0,0122 Q = 12,2 R = 100,0 S = 0,0158 T = 25,3 U = 38,0 W
x
= 1,0
=
= 1,0
38,0
38,0
25,3 200 . 0,0158
100,0
15 . 12,2 200 . 15 . 0,0122
W
U
G
T f S
R
f Q f f P
k
x
ref
z
x z x
x

3
MN/m 20,7 =
While determining depth H
s
, homogenous subsoil consisting of soil classified as GF is assumed. H
s
is
obtained by interpolation in Table F.1:
H
s
= 6,6 m
Layer 2 is 1,0 m depth and is situated from 4 to 5 m below the footing bottom. It follows:
z
T
= 4,0 m z
B
= 5,0 m
Using formulas (4.8) and (4.9), we calculate relative depths z
rT
and z
rB
at the top and at the bottom of layer 2:
0,61
6,6
4,0

H
z
z
s
T
rT
= = = 0,76
6,6
5,0

H
z
z
s
B
rB
= = =
Using the graph of the layered subsoil, we get:
u
rTz
= 0,22 u
rBz
= 0,09 u
rTx
= 0,06 u
rBx
= 0,01
3
rBz rTz
z
2 z
MN/m 247,7
0,09 0,22
32,2

u u
k
k =
=
3
rBx rTx
x
2 x
MN/m 414,0
0,01 0,06
20,7

u u
k
k =
=
3. Layer 3
Calculation of layer 3 is analogous to layers 1 and 2. Factors K, L, M, N and P, Q, R, S, T, U are equal to the
factors by layer 2. Layer 3 is below groundwater level. From Table E.1 follows:
W
z
= 0,75 W
x
= 0,80
28

3
z
ref
z
z
MN/m 24,2 0,75
95,0
95,0
0 , 7
200 7 , 81
7108,0
W
N
E
M
f L
K
k =
+
+
=
+
+
=
=
= 0,80
38,0
38,0
25,3 200 . 0,0158
100,0
15 . 12,2 200 . 15 . 0,0122
W
U
G
T f S
R
f Q f f P
k
x
ref
z
x z x
x

3
MN/m 16,5 =
The depth of the compressible subsoil is equal to layer 2, i.e. H
s
= 6,6 m. Layer 3 is 4,0 m depth and is
situated from 5 to 9 m below the footing bottom. It follows:
z
T
= 5,0 m z
B
= 9,0 m
The bottom of layer 3 is in the depth z
B
= 9,0 m. It is more than the depth of the compressible subsoil
H
s
= 6,6 m, where the significant deformations occur. It means, that a part of layer 3 is in the incompressible
area. Therefore, only the 6,6 m depth compressible part is considered in the calculation, i.e. z
B
= 6,6 m.
0,76
6,6
5,0

H
z
z
s
T
rT
= = = 1,0
6,6
6,6

H
z
z
s
B
rB
= = =
Using the graph of the layered subsoil, we get:
u
rTz
= 0,09 u
rBz
= 0,0 u
rTx
= 0,01 u
rBx
= 0,0
3
rBz rTz
z
3 z
MN/m 268,9
0,0 0,09
24,2

u u
k
k =
=
3
rBx rTx
x
3 x
MN/m 1650,0
0,0 0,01
16,5

u u
k
k =
=
4. Total Reaction Moduli
The total reaction moduli for layered subsoil k
zs
and k
xs
are calculated using formulas (4.4) and (4.5)
5.2
:
3
1 -
-1
n
1 i zi
zs
m / MN 7 , 8
9 , 268
1
7 , 247
1
9,3
1
k
1
k =
+ + =
=

=

3
1 -
-1
n
1 i xi
xs
m / MN 8 , 4
0 , 1650
1
0 , 414
1
4,9
1
k
1
k =
+ + =
=

=

Note 5.2: Deformations of the soil below the spread footing consist of the elastic and plastic components, see the Note
2.1. In some cases, reduction of plastic deformations caused by the vertical and horizontal loading of the footing is
required. Reaction moduli k
z
and k
x
calculated by this method take into the account elastic-plastic behavior of the soil.
The plastic component of the deformation can be determined by this method in the following way: First, reaction
moduli k
z
and k
x
are calculated for the required stress in the footing bottom f
z
and f
x
. Second, the reaction moduli can
than be determined for another stress, for example for f
z
/2 and f
x
/2. If the values of reaction moduli are similar in both
cases, we conclude that the elastic behavior of the subsoil prevails. If the moduli differ significantly, it indicates plastic
behavior of the subsoil.
29

5.3 Example 3
This example deals with the design of a single span road integral bridge with composite steel and concrete
superstructure, see Figure 5.3. The bridge is straight with 2% longitudinal slope. The span of the bridge is 36
m, the height of the abutments is 10 m. The bridge is founded on the 5 m wide spread footings. The
superstructure consists of 4 steel girders and of 12 m wide reinforced concrete slab. The spacing of steel
girders is 3 m. All girders are identical. The distribution of reinforcement in the deck displayed in Figure 5.3
is constant across the whole width of the slab. The backfill behind the abutments is provided by dense sandy
material classified as SP. There is 9 m depth layer of the compact SF sandy soil below the footing. Below
this layer, there is incompressible bedrock. The groundwater level is 7 m below the footing bottom.
Determine:
The distribution of the reaction moduli k
h
on the abutment,
Reaction moduli k
z
and k
x
of the subsoil below the spread footing,
Stiffness of the soil springs supporting the integral bridge, which will be used in the structural model.

30

The solution is divided into three parts:
1) Definition of the structural model of the integral bridge based on the given geometry,
2) Determination of the crucial actons for calculation of the reaction moduli k
h
, k
z
and k
x
,
3) Calculation of the reaction moduli k
h
, k
z
and k
x
and of the stiffness K
h
, K
z
and K
x
of the soil springs.
1. Structural Model of the Integral Bridge
The structural model consists of the superstructure and the substructure, because these parts interact together.
Since the connection between the superstructure and the substructure is rigid, a frame corner is provided in
the structural model. Surrounding soil is considered as distributed soil springs situated to the components of
the substructure.
The planar structural model shown in Figure 5.4 is sufficient to determine the reaction moduli k
h
, k
z
and k
x
.
The planar model represents a longitudinal cut-out the bridge. The cut-out is 3 m wide and consists of:
Member of the superstructure with the cross-section according to Figure 5.5a,
Members of the abutments and footings with the cross-sections according to Figures 5.5b and 5.5c,
Distributed linear springs with the stiffness K
h
placed on the abutments, see Figure 5.4,
Distributed linear springs with the stiffness K
z
in the vertical direction and the stiffnesses K
x
in the
horizontal direction placed on the spread footings, see Figure 5.4.

Superstructure
The cross-section of the superstructure is shown in Figure 5.5a. It consists of the steel girder made of the
steel S355 and of the concrete slab made of the concrete C30/37. Considering the span of the superstructure,
it is obvious, that the full width of the concrete slab interact with the steel girder. Effective equivalent steel
cross-section parameters are determined for the further calculation. Since the calculation of reaction moduli
comprehends long-term and short-term actions, the elasticity modulus of the concrete is set approximately:
E
c
= E
cm
/ 2 = 32 000 / 2 = 16 000 MPa
31

Modular ratio is calculated as follows:
n = E
a
/ E
c
= 210 000 / 16 000 = 13,1
All needed equivalent cross-section characteristics of the superstructure have to be determined. Elimination
of the reinforced concrete slab in the areas of hogging moments near to the abutments can be neglected for
the calculation of the reaction moduli. Reinforcement of the concrete slab is neglected too. Thus, we consider
the full steel-concrete cross-section neglecting the reinforcement of the slab along the whole length of the
superstructure. The equivalent cross-section characteristics in segments 1, 2 and 3 of the superstructure are:
Segments 1 and 3 A
eff
= 0,116 m
2
I
eff,y
= 57,014 . 10
-3
m
4

Segment 2 A
eff
= 0,106 m
2
I
eff,y
= 41,282 . 10
-3
m
4

Abutment and Footing
Cross-sections of the abutment and of the footing are shown in Figures 5.6b and 5.6c. The material of the
both cross-sections is concrete C25/30 with the modulus of elasticity E
cm
= 30 500 MPa.

Distributed Linear Springs on the Abutments and Footings
The stiffness of the distributed linear springs placed on the abutments and on the spread footings can be
generally calculated from the moduli of subgrade reaction. As mentioned in Chapter 2, moduli of subgrade
reaction represent physically the stiffness of the surface spring supporting surface elements. However, in
case of the planar model, the distributed linear springs supporting the members of the abutments and the
footings are used. The stiffness of the distributed linear springs (kN/m
2
) can be calculated by multiplying the
moduli of subgrade reaction (kN/m
3
) by the considered width, in our case, by the width of 3 m.
The linear spring on the abutments acts in the horizontal direction, i.e. perpendicular to the abutment, when
the abutment is pushed into the backfill. Since the k
h
value is variable, see chapter 3, the stiffness K
h
of the
linear spring is variable too. The stiffness K
h
of the linear spring is in each point of the abutment equal to:
K
h
= k
h
. 3,0
32

The linear spring placed to the footing members acts in two perpendicular directions:
In the vertical direction, i.e. perpendicular to the footing. Vertical stiffness K
z
is calculated:
K
z
= k
z
. 3,0
In the horizontal direction, i.e. parallel with the footing. Horizontal stiffness K
x
is calculated:
K
x
= k
x
. 3,0
To calculate the values of the stiffness K
h
, K
z
and K
x
, it is necessary to have the values of reaction moduli k
h
,
k
z
and k
x
. These values are unknown at the moment, because they are the aim of this calculation. Therefore,
in the first step of the calculation, the distributed linear springs supporting the spread footings are substituted
by rigid nodal supports and the springs on the abutments are ignored. The structural model for the first step
of the calculation is shown in Figure 5.12.
2. Actions
In the calculation of the reaction moduli k
h
, k
z
and k
x
, we will consider the actions, which significantly
contribute to the horizontal and vertical stress in the footing bottom and to the horizontal displacements of
the abutment towards to the backfill. These include:
Self-weight (G),
Uniformly distributed load due to traffic (UDL), according to [5],
Tandem system traffic load (TS) according to [5],
Temperature load (TEM), according to [4].
Self-Weight Load (G)
Self-weight load includes the self-weight of the footings, the abutments and the superstructure including
other non-bearing elements. The load is applied to the 3,0 m wide longitudinal cut-out of the bridge
including one main girder. The self-weight load is determined as a continuous uniformly distributed load; see
the following tables:
Superstructure and other non-bearing elements in 3 m wide strip
Reinforced concrete slab 0,3 . 25 . 3,0 = 22,5 kN/m
Steel girder: segments 1 and 3 0,0475 . 78,5 = 3,7 kN/m
segment 2 0,0379 . 78,5 = 3,0 kN/m
Pavement and insulation 0,09 . 25 . 3,0 = 6,8 kN/m
Total: segments 1 and 3 33,0 kN/m
segment 2 32,3 kN/m
Abutments in 3 m wide strip
Abutment body 1,4 . 25 . 3,0 = 105,0 kN/m
Footing in 3 m wide strip 3 m
Foundation 1,0 . 25 . 3,0 = 75,0 kN/m
33

The resulting diagram of the self-weight load is shown in Figure 5.6.

Uniformly Distributed Traffic Load (UDL)
Uniform load distribution on the area of the bridge according to [5] is shown in Figure 5.7. Adjustment
factors for the road group 1 are considered by values
q1
= 0,8 and
q2
= 1,0.

For purposes of the calculation of stress in the footing bottom, it is possible to average the load on the bridge
area and transform it to the linear load f
UDL
of 3 m wide strip.
UDL
7,2 . 3,0 2,5 . 9,0
f . 3,0 11,025 kN/m
12,0
+
= =

The resulting diagram of the uniformly distributed load is shown in Figure 5.8.

34

Tandem System Load (TS)
Distribution of the tandem axle on the bridge area according to [5] is shown in Figure 5.9. Considering, we
calculate the 'global' stiffness of the soil springs, which are constant for all positions of the live load, the
tandem axle is placed to give the maximum effect on the superstructure, i.e. to the middle of the span.
Adjustment factors for the road group 1 are considered by values
Q1
=
Q2
=
Q3
= 0,8.

For purposes of calculation of stresses in the footing bottom, it is possible to average the tandem system load
and transform it to the concentrated loads F
TS
in 3 m wide strip.
TS
240 160 80
F . 3,0 120 kN
12,0
+ +
= =

The resulting diagram of the tandem system load is shown in Figure 5.10.

Temperature Load (TEM)
The uniform temperature component T
N, exp
for calculation of the bridge extension is determined according
to [4]. The maximum shade air temperature is set to T
max
= 40C. For the composite steel-concrete bridges,
the maximum uniform temperature component of the bridge is set to T
e, max
= 45C. The initial temperature of
the bridge at time of installation is set to T
0
= 10C.
The uniform temperature component T
N, exp
for calculation of the bridge extension is determined as follows:
T
N, exp
= T
e, max
T
0
= 45 10 = 35 C
The resulting diagram of the temperature load is shown in Figure 5.11.
35

Combinations of Actions
In this example, the calculation of the moduli of subgrade reaction is based on the frequent combination
5.3

according to [3]. In our case, this combination takes a form:
G
k
+
1
. Q
k1
+
2
. Q
k2

where: G
k
is permanent action,
Q
k1
leading variable action,
Q
k2
accompanying variable loads,

1
,
2
combination factors.
Using load cases defined above, two frequent combinations are created:
1) Combination 1 is used to calculate reaction moduli k
h
. The variable thermal action is considered as
leading with combination factor
1
= 0,6. The traffic action is considered as accompanying with
combination factor
2
= 0,0. The deformations due to permanent action occur mainly before the backfill
exists. Therefore, the permanent action is not included in combination 1. Combination 1 is assumed as:
Combination 1 = 0,6 TEM
2) Combination 2 is used to calculate reaction moduli k
z
and k
x
. The variable traffic action is considered as
leading with combination factor
1
= 0,75 for TS and
1
= 0,4 for UDL. The thermal action is considered
as accompanying with combination factor
2
= 0,5. Combination 2 is then assumed as:
Combination 2 = G + 0,75 TS + 0,4 UDL + 0,5 TEM
Note 5.3: This example demonstrates a simple way of the practical process of calculation of the moduli of subgrade
reaction k
h
, k
z
and k
x
and of the stiffness of the soil springs K
h
, K
z
and K
x
supporting the integral bridge. Therefore,
only one 'representative' load combination for calculation of stiffness K
h
and only one load combination for calculation
of stiffness K
z
and K
x
is used. The distributed springs modeling the elastic support of the bridge are linear, see Note 2.1.
The frequent load combination was chosen for calculation of the spring stiffness, because it represents the 'frequent'
actions on the bridge. In addition, the frequent load combination is normally used to verify the bearing capacity of
subsoil. In the example, the stiffness K
h
, K
z
and K
x
calculated from the frequent load combination are used universally
for all other load combinations used for the bridge design. However, this simplified approach is not a common rule. For
calculation of the stiffness K
h
, K
z
and K
x
, it is also possible to use different load combinations according to the actual
case and consideration of the project engineer. In case of insufficient fidelity of usage of one representative values of
K
h
, K
z
and K
x
, it is possible to calculate two boundary stiffnesses of K
h
, K
z
and K
x
: rigid and soft. Afterwards, two
structural models are created: one with rigid values of K
h
, K
z
and K
x
and the other with soft values of K
h
, K
z
and K
x
.
The envelope of results of both structural models is then used for the bridge design. This procedure is often used in
practice. It takes into the account the real non-linear soil behavior and compensates the common uncertainty in
calculation of the moduli of subgrade reaction.
36

3. Calculation of Stiffness K
h
, K
z
and K
x
of Soil Springs
Since the stiffness K
h
, K
z
and K
x
of the soil springs depends on the horizontal displacements of the
abutments, respectively on the stress in the footing bottom, the calculation is carried out in several steps.
Stiffness K
h
, K
z
and K
x
calculated in the previous step are used as an input for the next step.
1
st
Step of Calculation
Since the horizontal displacements of the abutment required for calculation of K
h
are unknown at this
moment, the soil springs on the abutments are not included to the structural model in the first step of the
calculation. Considering, the stress in the footing bottom, required to calculate K
z
and K
x
, is unknown as
well, the horizontal and vertical support of the abutments is regarded as pined nodal supports. The structural
model for the first step of the calculation is shown in Figure 5.12.

Analysis results required for calculation of the reaction moduli k
h
, k
z
and k
x
are shown in Figure 5.13.

Now, the reaction moduli k
h
and resulting soil spring stiffness K
h
can be determined. Analysis results show
that the horizontal displacement at the top of the abutment u
T
= 4,5 mm and the horizontal displacement at
the bottom of the abutment u
B
= 0,0 mm. Thus, rotation of the abutment is regarded. The distribution of the
reaction moduli k
h
corresponds to bilinear curve R. To determine curve R, see Figure 3.1, it is necessary to
calculate values k
h, 1
, k
h, 2R
, k
h, 3R
and z
2
according to formulas in Table 3.1. Factors A, B, C and D can be
found in Table B.1, Annex B. Since the height of the abutment H
a
is equal to 9,5 m in the structural model,
we need to interpolate between the values of heights 9 and 10 m in Table B.1.
37

3
2 2 4
1
2
T 1
2
ref 1
4
T ref 1
1 , h
MN/m 3 , 1 0 , 0
10
4,5 . 0 , 0
10
40 . 3,5
10
4,5 . 40 . 3,3 -
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
k = + + + = + + + =
3
2 2 4
2
2
T 2
2
ref 2
4
T ref 2
2R , h
MN/m 0 , 5 55 , 0
10
4,5 . 0 , 0
10
40 . 11,25
10
4,5 . 40 . 0,85 -
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
k = + + + = + + + =
3
2R h, 3R , h
MN/m 0 , 5 k k = =
m 1 , 1 95 , 0
10
4,5 . 0 , 1
10
40 . 0,15
10
4,5 . 40 . 1,85
D
10
u C

10
E B

10
u E A
z
2 2 4
z
2
T z
2
ref z
4
T ref z
2
= + + + = + + + =
Stiffnesses of the distributed soil springs on the abutments are then calculated as follows:
K
h, 1
= k
h, 1
. 3,0 = 1,3 . 3,0 = 3,9 MN/m
2

K
h, 2R
= k
h, 2R
. 3,0 = 5,0 . 3,0 = 15,0 MN/m
2

K
h, 3R
= k
h, 3R
. 3,0 = 5,0 . 3,0 = 15,0 MN/m
2

The final distribution of the reaction moduli k
h
and the spring stiffness K
h
on the abutment is shown in
Figure 5.14.

Now, reaction moduli k
z
and k
x
are calculated using formulas (4.1) and (4.2). Homogenous subsoil below the
footing consisting of sandy soil classified as SF is assumed. Factors K, L, M, N are obtained from Table C.1,
Annex C. We need to interpolate in table according to the length and the width of the footing. In case of
footing dimensions 5x12 m, the final interpolated factors are:
K = 1204,0 L = 36,0 M = 1,66 N = 21,0
According to the analysis results from combination 2, vertical stress in the footing bottom is:

2
z
kN/m 142
5,0 . 3,0
2131
f = =
Depth of the compressible subsoil H
s
is obtained by interpolation in Table F.1, Annex F. Subsoil consisting
of soil classified as SF is assumed. In case of footing dimensions 5x12 m and vertical stress in the footing
bottom f
z
= 142 kN/m
2
the final interpolated value of H
s
is:
H
s
= 6,1 m
38

The layer of the SF soil is 9,0 m depth. Thus, entire compressible subsoil, where significant deformations of
subsoil occur, consists of SF soil only. The groundwater level is 7,0 m below the footing bottom. Therefore,
it is outside of the compressible subsoil. In this case, influence of groundwater can be neglected. W
z
is
obtained from Table E.1, Annex E:
W
z
= 1,0
Using formula (4.1), we get:
3
z
ref
z
z
MN/m 8,0 0,95
21,0
21,0
66 , 1
142 0 , 36
1204,0
W
N
E
M
f L
K
k =
+
+
=
+
+
=
Factors P, Q, R, S, T, U are obtained by interpolation in Table D.1, Annex D. In case of footing dimensions
5x12 m, the final interpolated factors are:
P = 0,0055 Q = 2,9 R = 50,0 S = 0,0082 T = 6,7 U = 8,1
Factor W
x
can be determined from Table E.1, Annex E. As already mentioned, the groundwater level is
outside of the compressible zone. From Table E.1 follows:
W
x
= 1,0
According to the analysis results from combination 2, horizontal stress in the footing bottom is:

2
x
kN/m 34
5,0 . 3,0
514
f = =
Using formula (4.2), we get:
=
= 1,0
8,1
8,0
6,7 142 . 0,0082
50,0
34 . 2,9 142 . 34 . 0,0055
W
U
G
T f S
R
f Q f f P
k
x
ref
z
x z x
x

3
MN/m 4,0 =
Stiffnesses of the distributed soil springs on the footing are then calculated as follows:
K
z
= k
z
. 3,0 = 8,4 . 3,0 = 25,2 MN/m
2

K
x
= k
x
. 3,0 = 4,0 . 3,0 = 12,0 MN/m
2

39

2
nd
Step of Calculation
The structural model for the second step of the calculation is shown in Figure the 5.15. The stiffness of
distributed soil springs were calculated in the first step of calculation.

Analysis results are shown in Figure 5.16. Using these results, reaction moduli k
h
, k
z
and k
x
are calculated.

The analysis results show, that u
T
= 4,5 mm and u
B
= 0,0 mm. These values do not differ from the first step.
Thus, we consider the reaction moduli k
h
and the stiffness of soil springs K
h
equal to the values in the first
step. The reaction modulus k
z
also remains the same. Calculation of the reaction modulus k
x
is analogous to
the first step. Factors P, Q, R, S, T, U and W
x
remain unchanged.

2
x
kN/m 5 , 14
5,0 . 3,0
217
f = =
=
= 1,0
8,1
8,0
6,7 142 . 0,0082
50,0
14,5 . 2,9 142 . 14,5 . 0,0055
W
U
G
T f S
R
f Q f f P
k
x
ref
z
x z x
x

3
MN/m 4,9 =
As well as in the first step of the calculation, the entire compressible subsoil consists of SF soil only.
Consequently, the linear spring stiffnesses placed on the footing can be determined as follows:
K
z
= k
z
. 3,0 = 8,4 . 3,0 = 25,2 MN/m
2

K
x
= k
x
. 3,0 = 4,9 . 3,0 = 14,7 MN/m
2

40

3
rd
Step of the Calculation
The structural model for the third step of the calculation is shown in Figure 5.17. The stiffness of distributed
soil springs were calculated in the second step of the calculation.

Analysis results are shown in Figure 5.18. Using these results, reaction moduli k
h
, k
z
and k
x
are calculated.

The horizontal displacements of the abutment imply that the distribution of the reaction moduli k
h
remains
unchanged in the third step as well. In addition, the reaction modulus k
z
remains the same. Calculation of the
reaction modulus k
x
is analogous to the first and the second step. Factors P, Q, R, S, T, U and W
x
remain the
same as well.

2
x
kN/m 8 , 15
5,0 . 3,0
237
f = =
=
= 1,0
8,1
8,0
6,7 142 . 0,0082
50,0
15,8 . 2,9 142 . 15,8 . 0,0055
W
U
G
T f S
R
f Q f f P
k
x
ref
z
x z x
x

3
MN/m 4,8 =
When comparing the reaction moduli k
h
, k
z
and k
x
from the second and the third step of the calculation, we
conclude that they are practically identical. The reaction moduli from the third step of the calculation can be
considered as final and the calculation can be terminated.

41

4. Conclusion
The final values and distributions of the moduli of subgrade reaction k
h
, k
z
and k
x
are summarized in Figure
5.19. These values can be used as parameters of elastic subsoil for the design of integral bridge. We suppose
that above calculated reaction moduli are used 'universally' for any positions of the traffic load.

If we use the same planar structural model for further design (Example 4), i.e. 3 m wide longitudinal cut-out
of the bridge structure, the stiffness of distributed linear springs supporting the substructure are summarized
in Figure 5.20.

42

5.4 Example 4
Check the superstructure of the integral bridge from example 3 in the ultimate limit state.
1. Assumptions
The check is based on following assumptions and simplifications
5.4
:
1) Construction without falsework is expected. Construction stages are considered in the check, see
paragraph 2.
2) In the check, elastic stress distribution in the cross section is expected. Shear lag of flanges and
buckling of web is neglected. Full cross-section characteristics are used.
3) The influence of shrinkage and creep of concrete is neglected. Non-uniform change of temperature and
settlement of supports is not considered.
2. Structural Model and Construction Stages
Simplified planar structural model from example 3 is used. The planar model represents 3 m wide
longitudinal cut-out of the bridge structure comprehending one main girder. The width of the cut-out
corresponds to the spacing of steel girders. The structural model includes the superstructure and the
substructure, because of the mutual interaction. Cross-section of the superstructure, the abutment and the
footing are shown in Figure 5.5, see example 3. The structural model varies depending on the construction
stage, whereas different load cases act in each stage. Depending on the construction stage, adjacent soil is
represented by load or by distributed springs placed on the substructure elements. The stiffness of springs is
calculated in example 3. Construction sequence is divided into four stages; see Figure 5.21:
1) In the first construction stage, the steel girders are mounted on the abutments. The connection of the
superstructure to the abutments is hinged. Elastic supports are placed on the footings only, because the
backfill behind the abutments does not exist yet. The structure is loaded by self-weight of the steel
girder (G
a
). The self-weight of the substructure is neglected, because it has no effect to the
superstructure. The effective cross-section of the superstructure consists of the steel girder only.
2) In the second construction stage, the capping beams are concreted, whereby the superstructure is fixed
to the substructure. Then the reinforced concrete slab is concreted. The structure is loaded by the self-
weight of the slab (G
c
). The effective cross-section of the superstructure remains the steel girder only.
3) In the third construction stage, after hardening of the reinforced concrete slab, backfills behind the
abutments are made. Backfilling and compaction of the backfill is carried out in layers in turns by the
first and the second support to prevent from significant asymmetric horizontal loads due to horizontal
soil pressures. The abutments are loaded by earth pressure at rest (S
0
). In the middle part of the
superstructure (segment 2), where sagging bending moments are expected, the superstructure performs
as a full composite girder.
Note 5.4: These assumptions are simplifications used in this actual example only to make the calculation brief and
clear. These are not the general rules, which are commonly followed by the design and check of integral bridges.
43

In the marginal segments by abutments (segment 1 and 3), the effective cross-section of the
superstructure consist of the steel girder and the reinforcement in the slab. The length of segments 1
and 3, where cracks in the concrete slab due to hogging bending moments occurs, is expected to be
equal to the 6 m, universally for all load cases. This length is estimated as 1/6 of the superstructure
span.
4) In the fourth construction stage, the pavement and other bridge equipment is finished. The distributed
linear soil springs simulating the effect of the backfill are added into the structural model. The
structure is loaded by the permanent load due to pavement and bridge equipment (G
fin
), by uniformly
distributed traffic load (UDL), by tandem system load inducing maximal effects in the particular
sections of the superstructure (from TS
1
to TS
30
) and by the uniform temperature load (TEM). The
effective cross-sections of the superstructure are the same as in the third stage.

44

3. Actions
The load cases shown in Figure 5.21 are specified in this paragraph. The diagrams of the particular load
cases are summarized in Figure 5.22.
Self-Weight, Temperature Load and Uniformly Distributed Load due to Traffic (G
a
, G
c
, TEM, UDL)
The values of the loads for load cases G
a
, G
c
, TEM, UDL are taken from example 3.
Pavement and Bridge Equipment Load (G
fin
)
In load case G
fin
, loads due to pavement and insulation are considered only. The value of the load is taken
from example 3.
At Rest Earth Pressure Load (S
0
)
For backfill soil SP, bulk density is considered = 18,5 kN/m
3
and friction angle = 35,5. Earth pressure at
rest is considered as continuous triangular load acting on the abutments in the horizontal direction. The load
is related to the 3,0 m wide longitudinal cut-out of the bridge. Its value at the top of the abutment is zero,
value at the bottom is as follows:
f
S0
= (1 sin ) . H
a
. . 3,0 = (1 sin 33,5) . 9,5 . 18,5 . 3,0 = 236,2 kN/m
Diagram of load case S
0
is shown in Figure 5.22.
Tandem System Traffic Load (TS
1
to TS
30
)
In the load cases TS
1
to TS
30
, tandem system is placed to induce maximal bending moments in particular
cross-sections of the superstructure. In the load case TS
1
, tandem system is placed next to the left abutment.
In the following load cases from TS
2
to TS
30
, the tandem system is always shifted 1,2 m towards to the right
abutment. The values of the tandem system forces are taken from example 3. Diagrams of load cases TS
1
,
TS
2
and TS
30
are shown in Figure 5.22.

45

Combination of Actions for the Ultimate Limit State Check
To carry out the ultimate limit state check, load combination according to [3] is created, where the traffic
load is considered as leading. The combination is as follows:
ULS = 1,35 . (G
a
+ G
c
+ S
0
+ G
fin
) + 1,5 . (UDL + TS
env
) + 1,5 . 0.6 . TEM
where: TS
env
is an envelope of the load cases TS
1
to TS
30
.
4. Analysis Results
Linear analysis was carried out for each load case. The results for ULS combination were obtained by linear
superposition of load cases G
a
, G
c
, S
0
, G
fin
, UDL, TEM and the envelope TS
env
. Figures 5.23, 5.24 and 5.25
show normal stress distributions along the superstructure due to ULS combination. Normal stress in the steel
girder, in reinforcement of the deck, and in concrete of the deck are displayed. Since TS
env
envelope is
included in the combination, the normal stress distributions are bifurcated to maximal and minimal branches.
Fig. 5.23 Dist r ibut ion of nor mal st r ess in upper and lower f lange of st eel gir der
-300
-200
-100
0
100
200
300
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 [m]
[MPa]
Upper f lange (max) Upper f lange (min) Lower f lange (max) Lower f lange (min)

Fig. 5.24 Dist r ibut ion of nor mal st r ess in r einf or cement of slab
-50
-25
0
25
50
75
100
125
150
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 [m]
[MPa]
Reinf orcement (max) Reinf orcement (min)

46

Fig. 5.25 Dist r ibut ion of nor mal st r ess in concr et e of slab
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 [m]
[MPa]
Upper surf ace (min) Lower surf ace (max)

Upon the calculated results, check of the steel girder, the reinforcement and the concrete can be done:
Steel girder: f
yd
= 335 / 1,0 = 335,0 MPa >
max
= 296,9 MPa => OK
Reinforcement: f
yd
= 490 / 1,0 = 490,0 MPa >
max
= 124,0 MPa => OK
Concrete: f
cd
= 0,85 . 30 / 1,5 = 17,0 MPa >
max
= 3,3 MPa => OK
5. Conclusion
The calculation proved, the superstructure of the integral bridge satisfies in the ULS check. It should be
noted, the calculation was based on the simplified assumptions mentioned in paragraph 1 at the beginning of
this example. When more detailed check is carried out, it is necessary to include the effects of shrinkage and
creep of the reinforced slab, buckling of the web and shear lag of the flanges of the steel girder. It is also
necessary to consider loads due to support settlement and due to the non-uniform temperature change. In
addition to the ultimate limit state, it is necessary to check the serviceability limit state. SLS check of crack
width of the concrete slab in the area of hogging bending moments is very important and often decisive
criterion.

47

ANNEX A SOIL PARAMETERS
Table A.1 Sandy soils
Class Symbol c E
ref
G
ref

[kN/m
3
] [-] [] [kPa] [MPa] [MPa]
S1 SW 20,0 0,28 37 - 42 0 50 - 100 19 - 39
S2 SP 18,5 0,28 34 - 37 0 30 - 50 12 - 20
S3 SF 17,5 0,30 30 - 33 0 17 - 25 6 - 10
S4 SM 18,0 0,30 28 - 30 0 - 10 5 - 15 2 - 6
S5 SC 18,5 0,35 26 - 28 4 - 12 4 - 12 1,5 - 4,5
Soil parameters in Table A.1 correspond to the index of relative density I
D
> 0,67

Table A.2 Gravelly soils
Class Symbol c E
ref
G
ref

[kN/m
3
] [-] [] [kPa] [MPa] [MPa]
G1 GW 21,0 0,20 39 - 44 0 360 - 500 150 - 210
G2 GP 20,0 0,20 36 - 41 0 170 - 250 70 - 104
G3 GF 19,0 0,25 33 - 38 0 90 - 100 36 - 40
G4 GM 19,0 0,30 30 - 35 0 - 8 60 - 80 23 - 31
G5 GC 19,5 0,30 28 - 32 2 - 10 40 - 60 15 - 23
Soil parameters in Table A.2 correspond to the index of relative density I
D
> 0,67

Table A.3 Fine-grained soils
Class Symbol Soil c E
ref
G
ref

State [kN/m
3
] [-] [] [kPa] [MPa] [MPa]
EFF-D
1)
19,0 12 - 16 15 - 30 5,6 - 11,1
EFF-W
2)
10,9
26 - 32
8 - 16 12 - 21 4,4 - 7,8
TOT-D
3)
12 - 15 70 - 80 30 - 60 11,1 - 22,2
F1 MG
TOT-W
4)

19,0
0,35
10 70 24 - 42 8,9 - 15,6
EFF-D 19,5 18 - 36 18 - 25 6,7 - 9,3
EFF-W 11,5
24 - 30
10 - 18 10 - 12 3,7 - 4,4
TOT-D 12 - 15 60 - 70 36 - 50 13,3 - 18,5
F2 CG
TOT-W
19,5
0,35
10 60 20 - 24 7,4 - 8,9
EFF-D 18,0 20 - 40 12 - 15 4,4 - 5,6
EFF-W 9,8
24 - 29
12 - 20 8 - 12 3,0 - 4,4
TOT-D 12 - 15 60 - 70 24 - 30 8,9 - 11,1
F3 MS
TOT-W
18,0
0,35
10 60 16 - 24 5,9 - 8,9
EFF-D 18,5 22 - 44 8 - 12 3,0 - 4,4
EFF-W 10,4
22 - 27
14 - 22 5 - 8 1,9 - 3,0
TOT-D 8 - 14 70 - 80 16 - 24 5,9 - 8,9
F4 CS
TOT-W
18,5
0,35
5 70 10 - 16 3,7 - 5,9
EFF-D 20,0 20 - 40 7 - 10 2,5 - 3,5
EFF-W 12,0
19 - 23
12 - 20 5 - 8 1,8 - 2,9
TOT-D 8 - 14 70 - 80 14 - 20 5,0 - 7,0
F5 ML, MI
TOT-W
20,0
0,40
5 70 10 - 16 3,6 - 5,6
EFF-D 21,0 20 - 40 8 - 12 2,9 - 4,3
EFF-W 13,1
17 - 21
12 - 20 6 - 8 2,1 - 2,9
TOT-D 4 - 12 80 - 90 16 - 24 5,7 - 8,6
F6 CL, CI
TOT-W
21,0
0,40
0 80 12 - 16 4,3 - 5,7
Soil parameters in Table A.3 correspond to the fine-grained soils with the firm consistency
1)
Effective parameters for degree of saturation S
r
< 0,8

2
Effective parameters for degree of saturation S
r
> 0,8
3)
Total parameters for degree of saturation S
r
< 0,8
4)
Total parameters for degree of saturation S
r
> 0,8

48

ANNEX B FACTORS A, B, C, D
Table B.1 Factors A, B, C, D for the sandy soils
Point Factor Height of the abutment H
a
[m]
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 15
A
1
-34,0 -25,0 -16,0 -12,3 -8,5 -6,8 -5,2 -3,9 -2,7 -1,3 -0,3
B
1
15,5 12,1 8,7 7,1 5,5 4,8 4,1 3,7 3,3 2,7 2,3
C
1
0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0
1
D
1
0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0
A
2
-73,0 -53,0 -33,0 -23,8 -14,6 -9,0 -3,4 -1,7 0,0 0,0 0,0
B
2
42,5 34,7 27,0 23,0 19,0 16,3 13,5 12,0 10,5 9,0 7,8
C
2
0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0
2R
D
2
1,3 1,2 1,1 1,0 0,9 0,8 0,7 0,6 0,5 0,3 0,0
A
3
-67,1 -52,0 -37,0 -29,3 -21,6 -17,9 -14,1 -11,6 -9,1 -5,2 -0,9
B
3
36,0 30,0 23,9 21,3 18,7 17,2 15,8 14,8 13,9 12,3 10,6
C
3
1,8 1,7 1,5 1,4 1,2 1,1 1,0 0,8 0,7 0,4 0,0
3T
D
3
1,0 0,9 0,8 0,8 0,7 0,6 0,5 0,5 0,4 0,2 0,0
A
z
-0,4 -0,1 0,2 0,5 0,8 1,1 1,4 1,7 2,0 2,6 3,5
B
z
0,5 0,4 0,4 0,3 0,3 0,3 0,2 0,2 0,1 0,1 -0,1
C
z
2,7 2,5 2,2 2,0 1,8 1,5 1,3 1,1 0,9 0,4 -0,3
z
2

D
z
0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,8 0,9 1,0 1,2 1,5

Table B.2 Factors A, B, C, D for the gravell y soils
Point Factor Height of the abutment H
a
[m]
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 15
A
1
-11,9 -11,1 -10,3 -9,5 -8,7 -7,9 -7,1 -6,2 -5,4 -3,8 -1,4
B
1
4,3 4,2 4,0 3,9 3,7 3,6 3,4 3,3 3,1 2,8 2,4
C
1
-14,0 -9,7 -5,5 -3,0 -0,6 0,7 2,0 2,2 2,3 1,4 -0,7
1
D
1
5,0 3,9 2,8 2,1 1,4 0,9 0,5 0,4 0,3 0,3 0,5
A
2
-73,2 -61,7 -50,2 -40,8 -31,5 -25,4 -19,2 -15,6 -12,0 -5,9 0,0
B
2
27,2 24,1 21,0 18,6 16,3 14,9 13,4 12,4 11,4 9,9 8,5
C
2
-2,2 1,3 4,8 5,8 6,8 6,5 6,2 5,4 4,5 2,8 0,0
2R
D
2
10,4 7,6 4,8 3,6 2,3 1,7 1,0 0,5 0,0 0,0 0,0
A
3
-55,6 -52,1 -48,7 -45,2 -41,8 -41,8 -41,8 -34,9 -28,1 -21,2 -10,9
B
3
22,7 21,7 20,7 19,7 18,7 18,7 18,7 16,7 14,7 12,7 9,7
C
3
-24,1 -12,2 -0,3 4,4 9,1 9,1 9,1 10,9 12,7 9,8 4,5
3T
D
3
12,1 8,5 4,8 3,2 1,6 1,6 1,6 1,1 0,7 1,1 2,5
A
z
-0,3 -0,1 0,1 0,3 0,5 0,7 0,9 1,1 1,3 1,7 2,3
B
z
0,1 0,1 0,1 0,1 0,1 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0
C
z
2,8 2,7 2,6 2,4 2,3 2,2 2,1 1,9 1,8 1,6 1,2
z
2

D
z
0,5 0,6 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 0,9 1,0 1,1 1,2 1,5

49

ANNEX C FACTORS K, L, M, N
Table C.1 Factors K, L, M, N for sandy soils
Soil Factor Footing dimensions B
f
x L
f
[m] Multiplier
3x6 4x6 6x6 8x6 3x32 4x32 6x32 8x32
K 773 766 752 738 499 498 496 493 10
S1 L 95 103 120 137 65 78 103 128 1
(SW) M 11,32 8,70 7,51 6,90 9,26 7,11 5,32 4,46 1
N 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 1
K 308 307 304 301 225 218 203 189 10
S2 L 57 62 71 80 56 56 57 58 1
(SP) M 4,68 4,01 3,40 2,94 3,95 3,20 2,49 2,24 1
N 40,0 40,0 40,0 40,0 40,0 40,0 40,0 40,0 1
K 128 128 129 130 95 94 93 91 10
S3 L 29 33 40 47 29 32 37 41 1
(SF) M 2,00 1,91 1,63 1,36 1,95 1,49 1,12 0,98 1
N 21,0 21,0 21,0 21,0 21,0 21,0 21,0 21,0 1
K 68 67 65 63 48 46 43 41 10
S4 L 21 25 31 37 15 17 22 26 1
(SM) M 0,84 0,80 0,74 0,67 0,75 0,69 0,57 0,44 1
N 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 1
K 68 67 65 63 48 46 43 41 10
S5 L 21 25 31 37 15 17 22 26 1
(SC) M 0,84 0,80 0,74 0,67 0,75 0,69 0,57 0,44 1
N 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 1

Table C.2 Factors K, L, M, N for gravell y soils
f
x L
f
[m] Multiplier
3x6 4x6 6x6 8x6 3x32 4x32 6x32 8x32
K 3970 3900 3750 3610 2190 2210 2260 2320 10
G1 L 130 134 142 150 68 81 106 132 1
(GW) M 51,20 42,18 34,57 31,35 43,76 33,05 22,50 19,62 1
N 430,0 430,0 430,0 430,0 430,0 430,0 430,0 430,0 1
K 1600 1600 1600 1610 920 920 930 940 10
G2 L 100 109 127 144 58 67 84 101 1
(GP) M 21,15 17,63 14,32 12,44 18,73 15,73 10,89 8,64 1
N 210,0 210,0 210,0 210,0 210,0 210,0 210,0 210,0 1
K 780 780 780 780 480 480 480 480 10
G3 L 70 79 97 115 48 54 67 80 1
(GF) M 9,06 7,86 6,87 6,53 7,50 6,80 4,78 4,00 1
N 95,0 95,0 95,0 95,0 95,0 95,0 95,0 95,0 1
K 633 631 627 624 403 395 379 363 10
G4 L 52 59 74 88 36 40 50 60 1
(GM) M 6,72 6,18 5,08 3,99 6,42 5,77 4,48 3,18 1
N 70,0 70,0 70,0 70,0 70,0 70,0 70,0 70,0 1
K 391 409 444 479 251 256 266 276 10
G5 L 28 38 59 80 14 23 40 58 1
(GC) M 4,73 4,03 2,62 1,22 4,51 3,92 2,74 1,56 1
N 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 1

50

Table C.3 Factors K, L, M, N for fine-grained soils with effecti ve parameters
f
x L
f
[m] Multiplier
3x6 4x6 6x6 8x6 3x32 4x32 6x32 8x32
K 136 128 112 96 111 101 82 63 10
F1 L 62 57 46 36 54 48 36 25 1
(MG) M 6,88 5,49 4,44 4,19 4,72 3,86 3,15 2,58 1
N 21,5 21,5 21,5 21,5 21,5 21,5 21,5 21,5 1
K 136 128 112 96 111 101 82 63 10
F2 L 62 57 46 36 54 48 36 25 1
(CG) M 6,88 5,49 4,44 4,19 4,72 3,86 3,15 2,58 1
N 21,5 21,5 21,5 21,5 21,5 21,5 21,5 21,5 1
K 79 74 64 55 60 56 47 37 10
F3 L 62 57 46 36 54 48 36 25 1
(MS) M 4,46 3,59 2,80 2,70 3,25 2,62 1,96 1,72 1
N 13,5 13,5 13,5 13,5 13,5 13,5 13,5 13,5 1
K 67 62 52 43 51 45 35 24 10
F4 L 62 57 46 36 54 48 36 25 1
(CS) M 2,90 2,20 1,76 1,80 2,13 1,70 1,40 1,29 1
N 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 1
K 67 62 52 43 51 45 35 24 10
F5 L 62 57 46 36 54 48 36 25 1
(ML, MI) M 2,90 2,20 1,76 1,80 2,13 1,70 1,40 1,29 1
N 9,5 9,5 9,5 9,5 9,5 9,5 9,5 9,5 1
K 67 62 52 43 51 45 35 24 10
F6 L 62 57 46 36 54 48 36 25 1
(CL, CI) M 2,90 2,20 1,76 1,80 2,13 1,70 1,40 1,29 1
N 10,3 10,3 10,3 10,3 10,3 10,3 10,3 10,3 1

Table C.4 Factors K, L, M, N for fine-grained soils with total parameters
f
x L
f
[m] Multiplier
3x6 4x6 6x6 8x6 3x32 4x32 6x32 8x32
K 233 217 184 151 173 161 138 114 10
F1 L 46 41 31 21 41 37 28 20 1
(MG) M 15,71 12,30 10,31 9,59 11,42 8,95 6,72 5,78 1
N 43,0 43,0 43,0 43,0 43,0 43,0 43,0 43,0 1
K 233 217 184 151 173 161 138 114 10
F2 L 46 41 31 21 41 37 28 20 1
(CG) M 15,71 12,30 10,31 9,59 11,42 8,95 6,72 5,78 1
N 43,0 43,0 43,0 43,0 43,0 43,0 43,0 43,0 1
K 146 135 114 92 118 108 89 70 10
F3 L 46 41 31 21 41 37 28 20 1
(MS) M 9,76 7,56 6,23 5,95 6,77 5,50 4,11 3,59 1
N 27,0 27,0 27,0 27,0 27,0 27,0 27,0 27,0 1
K 99 91 76 60 78 72 60 48 10
F4 L 46 41 31 21 41 37 28 20 1
(CS) M 7,41 5,83 4,71 4,47 5,40 4,38 3,18 2,69 1
N 20,0 20,0 20,0 20,0 20,0 20,0 20,0 20,0 1
K 99 91 76 60 78 72 60 48 10
F5 L 46 41 31 21 41 37 28 20 1
(ML, MI) M 7,41 5,83 4,71 4,47 5,40 4,38 3,18 2,69 1
N 19,0 19,0 19,0 19,0 19,0 19,0 19,0 19,0 1
K 99 91 76 60 78 72 60 48 10
F6 L 46 41 31 21 41 37 28 20 1
(CL, CI) M 7,41 5,83 4,71 4,47 5,40 4,38 3,18 2,69 1
N 20,5 20,5 20,5 20,5 20,5 20,5 20,5 20,5 1

51

ANNEX D FACTORS P, Q, R, S, T, U

Table D.1 Factors P, Q, R, S, T, U for sandy soils
f
x L
f
[m] Multiplier
3x6 4x6 6x6 8x6 3x32 4x32 6x32 8x32
P 9,77 6,74 5,35 4,64 6,53 4,45 3,17 2,25 0,001
Q 13,40 9,01 6,35 5,28 9,53 6,31 3,92 3,06 1
S1 R 100,0 100,0 100,0 100,0 100,0 100,0 100,0 100,0 1
(SW) S 12,6 9,5 8,1 7,5 9,0 7,1 5,7 5,0 0,001
T 29,3 23,5 19,8 18,0 22,2 18,4 14,5 12,3 1
U 29,3 29,3 29,3 29,3 29,3 29,3 29,3 29,3 1
P 9,77 6,74 5,35 4,64 6,53 4,45 3,17 2,25 0,001
Q 8,10 5,88 4,63 3,63 5,87 4,35 2,95 2,05 1
S2 R 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 1
(SP) S 12,6 9,5 8,1 7,5 9,0 7,1 5,7 5,0 0,001
T 16,4 13,2 11,3 10,3 12,6 10,3 8,2 7,1 1
U 15,6 15,6 15,6 15,6 15,6 15,6 15,6 15,6 1
P 9,77 6,74 5,35 4,64 6,53 4,45 3,17 2,25 0,001
Q 4,85 3,65 2,55 2,05 3,50 2,63 1,85 1,23 1
S3 R 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 1
(SF) S 12,6 9,5 8,1 7,5 9,0 7,1 5,7 5,0 0,001
T 9,4 7,7 6,5 5,9 7,3 6,0 4,8 4,1 1
U 8,1 8,1 8,1 8,1 8,1 8,1 8,1 8,1 1
P 9,77 6,74 5,35 4,64 6,53 4,45 3,17 2,25 0,001
Q 1,50 0,98 0,90 0,71 1,16 0,95 0,65 0,41 1
S4 R 37,5 37,5 37,5 37,5 37,5 37,5 37,5 37,5 1
(SM) S 12,6 9,5 8,1 7,5 9,0 7,1 5,7 5,0 0,001
T 5,0 4,1 3,5 3,3 3,9 3,3 2,6 2,3 1
U 3,8 3,8 3,8 3,8 3,8 3,8 3,8 3,8 1
P 9,77 6,74 5,35 4,64 6,53 4,45 3,17 2,25 0,001
Q 1,50 0,98 0,90 0,71 1,16 0,95 0,65 0,41 1
S5 R 25,0 25,0 25,0 25,0 25,0 25,0 25,0 25,0 1
(SC) S 12,6 9,5 8,1 7,5 9,0 7,1 5,7 5,0 0,001
T 5,0 4,1 3,5 3,3 3,9 3,3 2,6 2,3 1
U 3,8 3,8 3,8 3,8 3,8 3,8 3,8 3,8 1

52

Table D.2 Factors P, Q, R, S, T, U for gravell y soils
f
x L
f
[m] Multiplier
3x6 4x6 6x6 8x6 3x32 4x32 6x32 8x32
P
37,2 34,5 29,2 23,8 24,3 22,5 18,9 15,4 0,001
Q 73,4 56,0 44,2 34,9 47,8 40,6 30,5 23,5 1
G1 R 150,0 150,0 150,0 150,0 150,0 150,0 150,0 150,0 1
(GW) S 40,1 38,4 35,0 31,6 24,7 24,1 22,8 21,5 0,001
T 152,7 121,7 105,7 96,4 106,9 89,8 74,6 64,7 1
U 179,2 179,2 179,2 179,2 179,2 179,2 179,2 179,2 1
P
27,5 24,7 19,3 13,9 15,7 14,6 12,4 10,2 0,001
Q 41,1 30,0 23,1 19,2 25,4 21,1 16,9 13,2 1
G2 R 125,0 125,0 125,0 125,0 125,0 125,0 125,0 125,0 1
(GP) S 31,6 29,0 23,9 18,7 18,4 17,4 15,5 13,5 0,001
T 76,9 61,1 52,3 48,2 53,7 45,4 37,9 32,7 1
U 87,5 87,5 87,5 87,5 87,5 87,5 87,5 87,5 1
P
16,6 14,9 11,7 8,5 10,4 9,4 7,3 5,1 0,001
Q 19,6 14,8 11,4 9,5 13,1 10,9 7,9 6,1 1
G3 R 100,0 100,0 100,0 100,0 100,0 100,0 100,0 100,0 1
(GF) S 20,2 18,6 15,4 12,2 13,8 12,7 10,6 8,5 0,001
T 36,0 29,0 24,7 22,7 26,7 22,6 17,9 15,3 1
U 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 1
P
11,3 10,4 8,6 6,8 6,8 6,1 4,8 3,4 0,001
Q 13,2 10,1 7,7 5,9 9,3 7,4 5,0 3,4 1
G4 R 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 75,0 1
(GM) S 20,2 18,6 15,4 12,2 13,8 12,7 10,6 8,5 0,001
T 29,6 24,0 20,3 18,3 22,6 18,7 14,9 12,4 1
U 26,9 26,9 26,9 26,9 26,9 26,9 26,9 26,9 1
P
8,4 7,4 5,4 3,4 3,2 3,2 3,1 3,1 0,001
Q 7,5 5,7 3,8 3,0 5,4 4,3 2,5 2,2 1
G5 R 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 1
(GC) S 20,2 18,6 15,4 12,2 13,8 12,7 10,6 8,5 0,001
T 23,6 19,4 16,0 14,7 17,6 15,2 11,8 10,2 1
U 19,2 19,2 19,2 19,2 19,2 19,2 19,2 19,2 1

53

Table D.3 Factors P, Q, R, S, T, U for fine-grained soils with effecti ve parameters
f
x L
f
[m] Multiplier
3x6 4x6 6x6 8x6 3x32 4x32 6x32 8x32
P 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 -
Q 0,89 0,73 0,40 0,07 0,77 0,63 0,34 0,05 1
F1 R 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 1
(MG) S 6,6 6,1 5,2 4,2 5,1 4,7 3,9 3,0 0,001
T 9,6 7,8 6,3 5,7 7,5 6,2 4,6 4,0 1
U 8,5 8,5 8,5 8,5 8,5 8,5 8,5 8,5 1
P 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 -
Q 0,89 0,73 0,40 0,07 0,77 0,63 0,34 0,05 1
F2 R 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 1
(CG) S 6,6 6,1 5,2 4,2 5,1 4,7 3,9 3,0 0,001
T 9,6 7,8 6,3 5,7 7,5 6,2 4,6 4,0 1
U 8,5 8,5 8,5 8,5 8,5 8,5 8,5 8,5 1
S 6,6 6,1 5,2 4,2 5,1 4,7 3,9 3,0 0,001
T 5,9 4,9 4,0 3,6 4,7 3,8 3,0 2,6 1
F3
(MS)
U 5,0 5,0 5,0 5,0 5,0 5,0 5,0 5,0 1
S 6,6 6,1 5,2 4,2 5,1 4,7 3,9 3,0 0,001
T 4,4 3,6 3,0 2,7 3,6 2,8 2,2 1,9 1
F4
(CS)
U 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 1
S 6,6 6,1 5,2 4,2 5,1 4,7 3,9 3,0 0,001
T 3,8 3,1 2,6 2,4 3,0 2,4 1,9 1,5 1
F5
(ML, MI)
U 3,0 3,0 3,0 3,0 3,0 3,0 3,0 3,0 1
S 6,6 6,1 5,2 4,2 5,1 4,7 3,9 3,0 0,001
T 3,8 3,1 2,6 2,4 3,0 2,4 1,9 1,5 1
F6
(CL, CI)
U 3,0 3,0 3,0 3,0 3,0 3,0 3,0 3,0 1

Table D.4 Factors P, Q, R, S, T, U for fine-grained soils with total parameters
f
x L
f
[m] Multiplier
3x6 4x6 6x6 8x6 3x32 4x32 6x32 8x32
P 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 -
Q 1,10 0,93 0,58 0,24 1,05 0,86 0,46 0,07 1
F1 R 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 50,0 1
(MG) S 13,2 12,3 10,5 8,6 9,7 9,0 7,7 6,4 0,001
T 19,5 15,5 12,6 11,5 15,0 12,3 9,5 7,9 1
U 17,0 17,0 17,0 17,0 17,0 17,0 17,0 17,0 1
P 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 -
Q 1,10 0,93 0,58 0,24 1,05 0,86 0,46 0,07 1
F2 R 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 38,0 1
(CG) S 13,2 12,3 10,5 8,6 9,7 9,0 7,7 6,4 0,001
T 19,5 15,5 12,6 11,5 15,0 12,3 9,5 7,9 1
U 17,0 17,0 17,0 17,0 17,0 17,0 17,0 17,0 1
S 13,2 12,3 10,5 8,6 9,7 9,0 7,7 6,4 0,001
T 12,1 9,6 7,8 7,1 9,2 7,5 5,8 4,9 1
F3
(MS)
U 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 1
S 13,2 12,3 10,5 8,6 9,7 9,0 7,7 6,4 0,001
T 9,0 7,3 5,9 5,3 7,0 5,8 4,3 3,7 1
F4
(CS)
U 7,0 7,0 7,0 7,0 7,0 7,0 7,0 7,0 1
S 13,2 12,3 10,5 8,6 9,7 9,0 7,7 6,4 0,001
T 7,5 6,1 5,2 4,7 5,9 4,8 3,8 3,4 1
F5
(ML, MI)
U 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 1
S 13,2 12,3 10,5 8,6 9,7 9,0 7,7 6,4 0,001
T 7,5 6,1 5,2 4,7 5,9 4,8 3,8 3,4 1
F6
(CL, CI)
U 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 1

54

ANNEX E FACTORS W
Z
AND W
X

Table E.1 Factors W
z
and W
x

Soil W
z
W
x

Above GWL Below GWL Above GWL Below GWL
S1 (SW) 1,00 0,65 1,00 0,75
S2 (SP) 1,00 0,65 1,00 0,75
S3 (SF) 1,00 0,70 1,00 0,80
S4 (SM) 1,00 0,75 1,00 0,85
S5 (SC) 1,00 0,75 1,00 0,85
G1 (GW) 1,00 0,70 1,00 0,75
G2 (GP) 1,00 0,70 1,00 0,80
G3 (GF) 1,00 0,75 1,00 0,80
G4 (GM) 1,00 0,75 1,00 0,80
G5 (GC) 1,00 0,75 1,00 0,85
F1 (MG)
1)
1,00 0,55 1,00 0,65
F2 (CG)
1)
1,00 0,40 1,00 0,45
F3 (MS)
1)
1,00 0,60 1,00 0,65
F4 (CS)
1)
1,00 0,50 1,00 0,55
F5 (ML, MI)
1)
1,00 0,60 1,00 0,65
F6 (CL, CI)
1)
1,00 0,55 1,00 0,60
F1 (MG)
2)
1,00 0,70 1,00 0,75
F2 (CG)
2)
1,00 0,50 1,00 0,50
F3 (MS)
2)
1,00 0,75 1,00 0,75
F4 (CS)
2)
1,00 0,65 1,00 0,65
F5 (ML, MI)
2)
1,00 0,75 1,00 0,75
F6 (CL, CI)
2)
1,00 0,70 1,00 0,70
1)
Soil with effective parameters,
2)
Soil with total parameters

55

ANNEX F DEPTH OF COMPRESSIBLE SUBSOIL H
S

Table F.1 Depth of compressible subsoil H
s
[m]
Soil f
z
Footing dimensions B
f
x L
f
[m]
[kPa] 3x6 4x6 6x6 8x6 3x32 4x32 6x32 8x32
200 4,9 5,5 6,4 7,1 6,4 7,2 8,5 9,4
400 6,5 7,4 8,5 9,4 8,5 9,5 11,3 12,6
S1
(SW)
800 8,6 9,8 11,3 12,5 11,3 12,7 15,1 16,8
150 4,9 5,5 6,4 7,1 5,6 6,3 7,5 8,3
300 6,1 7,0 8,1 8,9 7,6 8,6 10,2 11,3
S2
(SP)
600 7,7 8,8 10,2 11,3 10,4 11,6 13,9 15,4
100 4,1 4,7 5,4 6,0 4,9 5,5 6,5 7,2
200 5,7 6,4 7,4 8,2 6,5 7,3 8,7 9,7
S3
(SF)
400 7,8 8,8 10,2 11,3 8,8 9,8 11,7 13,0
75 3,4 3,8 4,4 4,9 3,9 4,3 5,2 5,7
150 4,7 5,4 6,2 6,9 5,5 6,1 7,3 8,1
S4
(SM)
300 6,7 7,6 8,7 9,7 7,7 8,6 10,3 11,4
50 2,6 3,0 3,4 3,8 3,4 3,8 4,5 5,0
100 3,7 4,2 4,9 5,4 4,8 5,4 6,4 7,1
S5
(SC)
200 5,3 6,0 6,9 7,7 6,9 7,7 9,2 10,2
300 5,6 6,7 7,6 8,3 7,1 8,2 9,4 10,7
600 7,2 8,5 9,7 10,6 9,5 11,0 12,6 14,3
G1
(GW)
1200 9,1 10,8 12,3 13,6 12,8 14,7 16,8 19,2
250 5,6 6,7 7,6 8,3 7,1 8,2 9,4 10,7
500 7,0 8,3 9,5 10,4 9,6 11,0 12,6 14,4
G2
(GP)
1000 8,8 10,4 11,8 13,1 12,8 14,7 16,9 19,2
200 4,9 5,8 6,6 7,2 6,4 7,3 8,4 9,6
400 6,5 7,6 8,7 9,6 8,7 10,1 11,5 13,1
G3
(GF)
800 8,5 10,1 11,5 12,7 12,0 13,8 15,8 18,0
150 4,9 5,8 6,6 7,2 5,6 6,5 7,4 8,5
300 6,5 7,7 8,7 9,6 7,4 8,5 9,8 11,2
G4
(GM)
600 8,7 10,3 11,7 12,8 9,8 11,3 12,9 14,7
100 4,1 4,9 5,6 6,1 4,9 5,6 6,4 7,3
200 5,5 6,6 7,5 8,2 6,5 7,5 8,6 9,7
G5
(GC)
400 7,4 8,8 10,0 11,0 8,6 9,9 11,4 13,0
100 4,9 5,7 6,3 7,1 5,6 6,5 7,5 8,4
200 6,5 7,7 8,4 9,4 7,5 8,6 10,0 11,1
F1
(MG)
400 8,7 10,2 11,2 12,5 9,9 11,4 13,2 14,8
75 4,1 4,9 5,3 6,0 4,9 5,6 6,5 7,3
150 5,7 6,7 7,4 8,2 6,6 7,6 8,8 9,9
F2
(CG)
300 7,9 9,3 10,2 11,4 9,0 10,3 12,0 13,4
75 4,1 4,9 5,3 6,0 4,9 5,6 6,5 7,3
150 5,6 6,6 7,3 8,2 6,8 7,7 9,0 10,1
F3
(MS)
300 7,7 9,1 10,0 11,2 9,4 10,7 12,5 13,9
75 4,1 4,9 5,3 6,0 4,9 5,6 6,5 7,3
150 5,7 6,7 7,4 8,3 6,7 7,7 8,9 10,0
F4
(CS)
300 7,9 9,3 10,2 11,4 9,2 10,6 12,3 13,7
75 4,1 4,9 5,3 6,0 4,9 5,6 6,5 7,3
150 5,7 6,7 7,3 8,2 6,6 7,5 8,8 9,8
F5
(ML, MI)
300 7,7 9,1 10,0 11,2 8,9 10,2 11,8 13,2
50 3,4 4,0 4,4 4,9 4,1 4,7 5,5 6,1
100 4,7 5,5 6,1 6,8 5,8 6,6 7,7 8,6
F6
(CL, CI)
200 6,5 7,7 8,4 9,4 8,1 9,3 10,8 12,0

56

ANNEX G LIMIT STRESS IN FOOTING BOTTOM
Table G.1 Limit vertical and horizontal stress in the footing bottom f
z, lim
and f
x, li m

Soil f
z, lim
[kPa] f
x, lim
[kPa]
S1 (SW) 800 100,0
S2 (SP) 600 75,0
S3 (SF) 400 50,0
S4 (SM) 300 37,5
S5 (SC) 200 25,0
G1 (GW) 1200 150,0
G2 (GP) 1000 125,0
G3 (GF) 800 100,0
G4 (GM) 600 75,0
G5 (GC) 400 50,0
F1 (MG) 400 50,0
F2 (CG) 300 37,5
F3 (MS) 300 37,5
F4 (CS) 300 37,5
F5 (ML, MI) 300 37,5
F6 (CL, CI) 200 25,0

57

LITERATURE
Standards and Regulations
[1] BA 42/96 Part 12: The Design of Integral Bridges, Highways Agency, 2003.
[2] SN 73 1001: Foundation of Structures. Subsoil under shallow Foundations,
esk normalizan institut, 1987.
[3] EN 1990: Basis of Structural Design, CEN, 2004.
[4] EN 1991-1-5: Actions on Structures. General Actions Thermal Actions, CEN, 2005.
[5] EN 1991-2: Actions on Structures. Traffic Loads on Bridges, CEN, 2005.
Publications
[6] Biddle, A. R. Iles, D. C. Yandzio, E.: Integral Steel Bridges Design Guidance,
The Steel Construction Institute, 1997.
[7] Braun, A. Seidl, G. Weizenegger, M.: Rahmentragwerke im Brckenbau Konstruktion,
Berechnung und Volkwitschaftliche Betrachtung, Beton- und Stahlbetonbau, 2006, ro. 101, . 3, str.
187 197.
[8] Buba, R. Stumpf, D.: Integrln eleznin mosty v SRN a jejich vhody pro minimalizaci doby
vluk, Sbornk konference eleznin mosty a tunely, 2007, str. 25-30.
[9] Collin, P. Lundmark, T.: Competitive Swedish Composite Bridges, IABSE Melbourne, 2002.
[10] Collin, P. Stoltz, A. Moller, M.: Innovative Prefabricated Composite Bridges, IABSE Melbourne,
2002.
[11] Engelsmann, S. Schlaich, J. Schfer, K: Deutscher Ausschluss fr Stahlbeton Entwerfen und
Bemessen von Betonbrcken ohne Fugen und Lager, Beuth Verlag, 1999.
[12] Iles, D. C. Yandzio, E.: Integral Bridges in the UK, The Steel Construction Institute, 2006.
[13] Jung, J. H. Jang, W. S. You, S. K. Kim, Y. H. Yoon, S. J.: Development of Preflex
Composite Beam-Stub Abutment Integral Bridge System, International Journal of Steel Structures,
2006, ro. 6, . 3, str. 175 181.
[14] Krizek, J.: Integral Bridges, Doctoral thesis, Prague, 2009.
[15] Lamboj, L. Studnika, J.: Integrovan ocelobetonov silnin mosty. Stavebn obzor, 1999, 2.
[16] Nicholson, B. A.: Integral Abutments for Prestressed Beam Bridges, Prestressed Concrete
Association, 1998.
[17] Petursson, H. Collin, P.: Composite Bridges with Integral Abutments Minimizing Lifetime Costs,
Sbornk symposia IABSE, Melbourne, 2002.
[18] Schmitt, V. Buba, R.: Innovative Building Methods for Bridges with Small and Medium Spans
VFT and VFT-WIB, Sbornk konference Steel Bridges, Praha, 2006, str. 66 74.
[19] Schller, M.: Konzeptionelles Entwerfen und Konstruieren von Integralen Betonbrcken
Entwicklung, Bedeutung und Beispiele, Beton- und Stahlbetonbau, 2004, ro. 99, . 10, str. 774 789.
58

[20] Strau, P Hensel, B.: Schiefes, Vorgespanntes Rahmentragwerk an der Anschlussstelle Erfurt-
West der BAB 4, Sbornk 11. Dresdner Brckenbausymposium, Dresden, 2001, str. 61 77.
[21] Weizenegger, M.: Hybrid Frame Bridge, River Saale, Merseburg, Germany, Structural Engineering
International, IABSE, 2003, ro. 13, . 3, str. 179 181.
[22] Zordan, T. Briseghella, B.: Attainment of an integral Abutment Bridge through the Refubrishment
of a Simply Supported Structure, Structural Engineering International, IABSE, 2007, ro. 17, . 3, str.
228-234.

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