Utilization of EPS Geofoam for Bridge Approach Structure on Soft Bangkok Clay

Utilization of EPS Geofoam for Bridge Approach Structure on Soft Bangkok Clay

Vardhanabhuti, B.
Chantawarangul, K.
Seawsirikul, S.

2015-10-15

Differential settlement along bridge approach structure is one of the continuing problems for highway construction in Bangkok and its vicinities due to soft ground foundation. To minimize the differential settlement and serviceability failure, an approach slap on piles with varies pile length is a current geotechnical engineering practice for the bridge approach structure construction. Instead of ground reinforcement by piles as a bearing unit, EPS Geofoam could be utilized as a lightweight embankment along the bridge approach, and could be an alternative solution to reduce differential settlement problem and repair works in the city area in which fast construction time is the main requirement. Two case studies of bridge approach structure were investigated, and different types of bridge approach structure, including approach slap on pile with different pile length distributions, and application of EPS, were evaluated in terms of engineering performance and construction and maintenance cost, and time. The results show that utilizing domestic EPS Geofoam for bridge approach structure could increase the construction cost by 20 to 30%, however, it could save construction period and could reduce the long-term maintenance cost.

bridge approach structure
EPS Geofoam
differential settlement
relief pile

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:9315f659-c50c-4869-a93f-67552e3d256e

https://doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-580-7-602

Conference proceedings

conference paper

© 2015 The authors and IOS Press. This article is published online with Open Access by IOS Press and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License.