EFFECT OF SETTLEMENT IN BRIDGE DESIGN

By: Noman Ahmed CE-10

SETTLEMENT
The downward movement of a footing, or structure due to deformation or change in the soil properties is known as settlement.
Settlement can be initiated by a number of factors which include,
Overloading the earth at the site Lowering the water table Vibrations from live loads or seismic loads Loading embakments Changes in soil properties (Shrinkage & Swelling)

DIFFERENTIAL SETTLEMENT
Relative movement of different parts of a structure caused by uneven sinking of the structure.
Such settlements can reults,
Distribution of bending moment & shear in the deck. Cracking of substructure elements. Instability in superstructure joint & support point. In extreme cases , entire components such as abutments can be titled over.

When settlement occurs in a consistent or uniform manner the effects are often less severe.

DIFFERENTIAL SETTLEMENT
An example of a differential settlement. In this continuous beam, settlement occur at support B.

DIFFERENTIAL SETTLEMENT
Due to settlement at B fixed end moments are,

So, moments due to settlement are inversely proportion to sq root of span length.

Line Model

Free Body Diagrom of 2 span beam model

BMD of beam model w/o settlement

BMD of beam model with unit settlement @ B

Line Model
From above results of moment diagram differential settlement has the effect of generating sagging moment at the support which settle. This is important as support in continuous beams are generally subjected to hogging moment and are often not designed to resist significant sag.

Effect of Span

Free Body Diagrom of 2 span beam model

BMD of beam model with settlement @ B

Free Body Diagrom of 2 span beam model with larger span than previous one.

BMD of beam model with unit settlement @ B

Effect of Depth

Free Body Diagrom of 2 span beam model

BMD of beam model with settlement @ B

BMD of beam model with unit settlement @ B with increase in depth

Effect of Foundation Settlement

1 Structural. The differential settlement of substructures causes the development of force effects in continuous superstructures. These force effects are directly proportional to structural depth and inversely proportional to span length. Joint Movements. A change in bridge geometry due to settlement causes movement in deck joints that should be considered in their detailing, especially for deep superstructures. Profile Distortion. Excessive differential settlement may cause a distortion of the roadway profile that may be undesirable for vehicles traveling at high speed. Appearance. Viewing excessive differential settlement may create a feeling of lack of safety.