# Force Performance Analysis and Numerical Simulation of Assembled Ribbed-Slab Abutments
###### Abstract
Current engineering practices regarding research and construction related to prefabricated assembled bridges have primarily focused on bridge superstructures and piers, with the prefabrication of abutments being comparatively less common. At present, the connection methods of pre-fabricated structures can be divided into three kinds: \"dry connection\", \"wet connection\", and \"glue joint\". \"Wet connection\" is generally used to splice components by means of slurry anchor connection and grouting sleeve. This connection method has better structural durability and integrity, but it involves more wet construction and generally has a longer construction period. \"Dry connection\" is generally used to splice components with less wet work such as bolt connection and welding connection. This connection method has the advantages of a short construction period and high degree of component assembly. However, the gap between prefabricated components can easily cause the corrosion of connectors and poor structural durability. \"Glue joints\" are generally connected by coating epoxy resin on the contact surface of prefabricated components. Epoxy resin has a strong bonding ability with concrete, can effectively transfer the load, and has good toughness, fatigue resistance, and impact resistance. However, the construction technology is high, the bonding quality is unstable, and there are aging problems. Notably, according to the existing literature [5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18], as demonstrated in various examples, most of the connections of assembled bridge abutments are constructed by establishing grouted joints between each prefabricated component, a process that entails pouring the joints after positioning and installation (referred to as wet joints). Alternatively, connections may involve setting H-beam piles, welding components together (dry joints), or linking components using prestressing tendons after assembly. In some cases, joints are further secured with epoxy resin, followed by additional grouting at the joints (prestressing joints + adhesive joints + wet joints). Some scholars, drawing from these examples and employing experimental and numerical analysis methods, have proposed a prefabricated assembled bridge abutment connection method for conducting a preliminary study. Their results revealed that table cap H-type steel piles effectively reduced shear damage, while significantly improving the compressive performance of the bridge, but the H-shaped steel pile requires high precision for positioning, the quality of welding cannot be guaranteed, and the weld position is prone to rust [19; 20; 21; 22]. Utilizing the prestressing tendon connections in assembled abutments provides an improved load-bearing capacity to meet the requirements of a seismic design, but the prestressed bar connection requires high precision and complicated process. The results show that this connection method is suitable for the longitudinal load distribution of prefabricated abutments, but it does not consider the weak position of the structure and has too many joints. However, in comparison to well-established prefabricated assembly technology for upper- and lower-bridge abutments, theoretical research on assembled bridge abutments, both domestically and internationally, lags considerably behind. It is necessary to study the mechanical performance of assembled abutment. This study focuses on the assembled rib-plate bridge abutments (ARBAs) as its primary research subject. It involves the design of two ARBA variations: cow leg bolt connection and flange plate connection, the lower part of the assembled ribbed abutment is of a socketed design, while the upper part of the abutment is split for the location of the caps according to the number of ribs. Experimental investigations into the bending and shear performance of joint components and related areas was based on two types of splitting modes to assess the damage characteristics and modes of the ARBA.