Advantages of piers constructed monolithically, i.e.

integral
bridges with the bridge deck over usage of bearings?
Integral Bridge, piers constructed monolithically with the bridge deck are advantageous in the
following ways:
Bearing replacement is one of the direct cost involved in the maintenance of bridges, and the one
which worries the contractors. Using integral bridge systems, this can be avoided. In design point of
view, bearing replacement introduces additional stresses and requirement of diaphragms in
transverse design.
Movement of the bridge deck is achieved by the bending deformation of long and slender piers. In
this way, it saves the construction cost of bearings by using monolithic construction between bridge
deck and piers. Moreover, it is not necessary to spend extra effort to design for drainage details and
access for bearing replacement. On the other hand, in maintenance aspect substantial cost and time
savings could be obtained by using integral bridge construction instead of using bearings as bridge
articulation.
Monolithic construction possesses the shortest effective Euler buckling length for piers because they
are fixed supports at the interface between bridge deck and piers.
 Series of integral concrete arches – De Oversteek Bridge
Other Factors
In two span integral bridges, temperature, creep and shrinkage, and other loads that contributes to
longitudinal forces like seismic forces are major design challenges. These forces induces additional
moments on the central pier increasing the demand. This necessitates innovative solutions in the
design, like adoption arch systems which allows the bridge to breath up and down due to thermal
actions. Uncertain soil conditions and seismic zones add up the design challenges. Integral Bridge
design is an expert area in the design of bridges.
Note: Monolithic construction means that piers are connected to bridge decks without any joints and
bearings.
Approaches of De Oversteek Bridges are one of the longest integral bridge systems in the world.
The state-of-the-art technologies and ideas where used in the design.