Patent ID: 6745421
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: E01D

Abstract:
An abutment for use in a bridge that interconnects a roadway extending along a centerline, said abutment comprising:a facing wall extending substantially vertically from the ground and substantially perpendicular to the centerline; a retaining enclosure formed in said facing wall, said retaining enclosure having a horizontally extending sill aligned substantially perpendicular to said centerline, said sill having first and second side walls forming opposing ends of said sill, and a rear wall interconnecting said side walls; a first lateral containment element connected to said first sidewall; a second lateral containment element connected to said second sidewall; and said lateral containment elements each including a wing wall extending laterally away from the respective ends of said sill and laterally beyond the roadway, and mechanically stabilized earth filling gaps defined by spaces between the wing walls, the respective ends of the sill, and edges of the roadway, said lateral containment elements being designed to handle a seismic load that can be applied to said elements during a seismic event said design incorporating a seismic coefficient, a total mass of the bridge, and frictional resistance to lateral displacement.