Seasonal thermal effects on the shallow abutment of an integral bridge in Glasgow

Instrumentation was installed during the construction of an integral bridge at Carmyle Avenue, Glasgow, and its performance monitored during construction and the first year in service. The bridge of about 60m span was constructed with shallow integral abutments, three intermediate supports and a continuous twin deck. Seasonal thermal expansion of the deck caused cyclic movements of the abutments. The magnitude of these movements was measured together with the earth pressure developed in the backfill against the abutment. The implications of the results on the design of integral bridges of this type are discussed. (A)