Experimental study on SSI of flat buried approach slab in jointless bridge

The deck joints between the bridge deck and approach slab can be eliminated in jointless bridges, which become more and more popular. The approach slab of jointless bridge can not only alleviate the differential settlement between the bridge deck and embankment, but also transfer and absorb the longitudinal thermal movement of the superstructure. The soil-structure interaction (SSI) between the approach slab and embankment soil is an important factor. The experimental tests on flat buried-typed approach slab (FBAS) considering SSI were carried out. With the increase of depth, the initial linear part, the nonlinear part and the second linear part the force-displacement curve was increased to varying degrees, and the deformation of soil surface in vertical direction were decreased and that in horizontal direction increased. Finally, some recommendations were proposed to optimize the behavior of FBAS. This analysis can provide a reference for the application of FBAS in jointless bridges