Resumen
In an effort to reduce bridge lifecycle costs, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has developed new design method aimed at the elimination of expansion joints. Various structural details have been experimented with, including full integral abutment with a moment relief hinge, semi-integral abutment, and deck extension. In addition, a new type of abutment was developed for long-span applications. The problem of excessive roadway approach settlement was addressed with the use of elastic inclusion on bridge backwall, select crushed stone backfill, and buried approach slabs. Currently, VDOT considers jointless design as the primary choice for new bridges.