DESIGN OF SOIL STEEL COMPOSITE BRIDGES (SSCBS) AND ANALYSIS OF ASSOCIATED ARCHING ACTIONS

Abstract

This research mainly aims to study the shallow tunnels called “Soil Steel Composite Bridge (SSCB)” using flexible corrugated steel sheets. The SSCB has become a promising technique with economic benefits compared to other alternatives using different methods or materials. The analysis depends on the Skivarpsån SSCB in Sweden as a case study with field measurements of the vertical deflection and the straining actions. A numerical model of the case study is performed using the finite element program PLAXIS 2D to simulate the interaction between the tunnel and the surrounding backfill soil. The Swedish Design Method (SDM) is an empirical solution used to design the SSCBs with flexible metal cover. The results of the numerical model are compared with the field measurements and the SDM predictions to get the most accurate simulation to the field test. Embedding Pneusol material is a new technique used to reduce the developed straining actions in the SSCBs.