Lateral Deformation of GRS Bridge Abutments

摘要

The estimation of deformation for MSE walls is difficult for a variety of reasons; numerous, unique combinations of reinforcement types, strengths and spacing, facing rigidity, and soil types, all compounded by how the wall is constructed. However, in the case of generic GRS walls, as defined by FHWA, the postulate of zero volume change has been shown to be a viable method of estimating the lateral deformation due to surcharge loads. The assumption is based on the concept that the volume lost due to settlement of the GRS wall is equal to volume gained due to the lateral deformation. In this paper, the postulate is tested using measured deformations from six GRS performance tests and an in-service GRS abutment. At the service limit, it is found that the assumption of zero volume change is a reasonable approximation that designers can use to estimate lateral deformation.