Experimental tests of a modular composite frame corner for integral abutment bridges with sheet‐piling foundations

With the increasing need to replace ageing bridge infrastructure, new concepts for sustainable constructions are needed. Ways to achieve this include material choice, concept design and the consideration of life‐cycle‐costs. Within the scope of FOSTA research project P1521, a concept will be derived for a modular frame corner for bridge spans up to 45 m. The load transfer of horizontal and vertical forces, as well as the bending moment of the frame corner, are analyzed in experimental tests and subsequent numerical studies.

To determine the bending resistance, load paths and critical details of the connection, the node is split into an upper and lower part, connecting the main girder and the sheet‐piles respectively to the abutment. Composite dowels with high fatigue resistance are used to transfer both forces and moments through a newly designed shear connection. This article looks at the results of 4 static tests from the upper‐part series as well as numerical studies.

The results of both experimental as well as numerical models shows a high load bearing capacity of the connection with the composite dowels contributing positively to the constraining of the main girder. The concept shows promising results for future application.