Backbone curves with physical parameters for passive lateral response of homogeneous abutment backfills

Recent advances in performance-based seismic assessment and design of bridges call for the development of computationally efficient models with high fidelity for nonlinear static pushover and transient dynamic analyses. Response models of bridge abutment systems are significant ingredients of such analyses. Herein, we present closed-form relationships for lateral response of abutment backwalls with uniform backfills. These relationships are obtained by performing extensive parametric studies with a previously validated limit-equilibrium model coupled with hyperbolic soil stress–strain relations. The resulting “Generalized Hyperbolic Force–Displacement (GHFD)” backbone curve has explicit dependencies on the physical properties of the abutment system, including the backwall height. All input parameters to the GHFD relationships are measurable via standard geotechnical laboratory tests. We also perform a validation study using published measurements from several field and laboratory experiments. The GHFD equations are in closed form and can easily be implemented in a structural analysis package as a nonlinear spring that accounts for the bridge abutment–backfill interaction.     

Estimation of static earth pressures for a sloping cohesive backfill using extended Rankine theory with a composite log-spiral failure surface

The Rankine earth pressure theory is extended herein to an inclined c–? backfill. An analytical approach is then proposed to compute the static passive and active lateral earth pressures for a sloping cohesive backfill retained by a vertical wall, with the presence of wall–soil interface adhesion. The proposed method is based on a limit equilibrium analysis coupled with the method of slices wherein the assumed profile of the backfill failure surface is a composite of log-spiral and linear segments. The geometry of the failure surface is determined using the stress states of the soil at the two boundaries of the mobilized soil mass. The resultant lateral earth thrust, the point of application, and the induced moment on the wall are computed considering global and local equilibrium of forces and moments. Results of the proposed approach are compared with those predicted by a number of analytical models currently adopted in the design practice for various combinations of soil’s frictional angles, wall–soil interface frictional angles, inclined angles of backfill and soil cohesions. The predicted results are also verified against those obtained from finite element analyses for several scenarios under the passive condition. It is found that the magnitude of earth thrust increases with the backfill inclination angle under both the passive and active conditions.

     

Correction to: Estimation of static earth pressures for a sloping cohesive backfill using extended Rankine theory with a composite log-spiral failure surface

Acta Geotechnica - In the original publication of the article, the left-hand side of Eq. (8) had been mistakenly changed.